Quarterback battle: Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (L) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Jameis Winston. (Photo : Reuters)
The Carolina Panthers (3-0) will go for their fourth straight win of the 2015 NFL season as they clash with division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-2) at the Raymond James Stadium on October 4, Sunday.
Cam Newton led the Panthers with two touchdown passes on 20-of-31for 315 yards en route to a 27-22 win over the New Orleans Saints at the Bank of America Stadium last Sunday, as per Bleacher Report.
He also had one rushing touchdown, the 35th of his career, to finish one of his best all-around performances to date.
Tight end Greg Olsen, who played superbly and was the recipient of Newton's scoring passes, had eight catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns.
Tampa Bay played poorly in their 19-9 loss to the Houston Texans also on Sunday at the NRG Stadium, via CBS Houston.
J.J. Watt and the Texans defense blanked the Bucs in all but the second quarter of their match as rookie no. 1 pick quarterback Jameis Winston struggled the whole game.
With the way Newton is dominating games as of late, coupled with the immaturity of Winston, the Panthers are highly-favored to extend their winning streak to four.
Prediction: Panthers win, 35-17
Carolina Panthers starting lineup
Offense: Newton (QB), Stewart (RB), Tolbert (FB), Brown (WR1), Ginn (WR2), Olsen (TE), Oher (LT), Norwell (LG), Kalil (C), Turner (RG), Remmers (RT)
Defense: Horton (DE), Short (DT), Lotulelei (DT), Ealy (DE), Klein (OLB), Mayo (MLB), Davis (OLB), Norman (CB1), Tillman (CB2), Harper (SS), Coleman (FS)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting lineup
Offense: Winston (QB), Martin (RB), Lane (FB), Evans (WR1), Jackson (WR2), Stocker (TE), D. Smith (LT), Mankins (LG), E. Smith (C), Marpet (RG), Cherilus (RT)
Defense: J. Smith (DE), McCoy (DT), McDonald (DT), Johnson (DE), Lansanah (OLB), Alexander (MLB), David (OLB), Verner (CB1), Moore (CB2), Swearinger (SS), McDougald (FS)
