When: 7:30 p.m. Monday (ESPN).

Point spread: Panthers by 3.

Key injuries: Buccaneers - DT Jovan Haye (knee), DE Gaines Adams (hip), QB Brian Griese (right elbow), WR Ike Hilliard (shoulder) and TE Alex Smith (ankle). Panthers - LB Adam Seward (ankle), DE Hilee Taylor (calf) and CB Ken Lucas (head).

Player to watch: Wide receiver Steve Smith almost single-handedly beat the Packers last week and has a history of big games against Tampa Bay. He has had 100-yard games in five of the last seven meetings against the Buccaneers.

Recent history: The Buccaneers have won two of the past three, including a 27-3 drubbing at home in mid-October. Tampa Bay won at Carolina last year, 20-7.

Key statistic: Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia has won five straight games against the Panthers.

Bottom line: This game is probably for the NFC South title. The winner of the division more than likely will get a first-round bye in the playoffs, so there's a lot at stake. The Buccaneers have forged big comebacks in three big road victories this season. But they came against Chicago, Kansas City and Detroit. They'll be facing a different animal in the Panthers, who are 6-0 at home this year. The Buccaneers rank ninth against the run, but they're not invulnerable. They have allowed seven teams to rush for 100 yards or more, including two games of 150 or more. Carolina loves to pound the ball with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart and probably will try not to give the Buccaneers many chances to intercept quarterback Jake Delhomme. The game could come down to field position. Both teams have good punters and reliable kickers.

Tom Silverstein

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