We have another division matchup as we hit Week 2’s Thursday night matchup with the Carolina Panthers hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a meeting of two teams that lost at home in Week 1.

We had a smoking-hot NFL betting night last Thursday between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. So, let’s move forward with some best bets:

Buccaneers-Panthers Best Bets

All odds current as of publication but subject to change.

PICK 1: Panthers -6.5

I’m on Carolina big in this game. I think the Panthers are the better team and playing at home doesn’t hurt. This is the first short-week challenge of the NFL season and the Panthers should be more equipped to handle than the Buccaneers. Yes, it’s the fact that Carolina doesn’t have to travel during a short week, but it is a better team and it looked better in Week 1 than Tampa Bay did.

The Panthers lost, at home, 30-27 to the Los Angeles Rams. The Panthers played hard and could have won. The Buccaneers lost, at home, to the San Francisco 49ers, 31-17. The Buccaneers were messy against a lesser opponent that what the Panthers had to deal with. Tampa Bay has more to address and fix on a short week.

RELATED: Check Out Our Complete Buccaneers-Panthers Betting Preview

PICK 2: Over 50.5

The Panthers-Rams game totaled 57 and the Buccaneers-49ers totaled 48. That was an average of 52.5. I like this game to go over. Both defenses are a work in progress and capable of giving up a lot of points. I also think the Panthers can rack up some big points here. Cam Newton was just OK against the Rams. I think he will be better this week as continues to come back from an offseason shoulder injury.

Also, running back Christian McCaffrey is a serious weapon as both a rusher and as a receiver. There will be points to be had. Also, Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns last week against the 49ers. That can affect the total very quickly. There’s lots of points potential here.

PICK 3: Panthers -14

Again, I’m big on the Panthers. I think everything here points to a big win by the home team, which beat Tampa Bay by 14 in Charlotte in Week 9 last year. This is a great price for a game that I think can get out of hand pretty quickly.

PICK 4: Total points first quarter over 9.5

I can see the scoring party starting quickly here. Again, I expect a big night for the Panthers. I see the dominance beginning early. For a game with a high total this first quarter total is extremely attainable and it’s at nice price. I think this is too good of an opportunity to pass up.

PICK 5: First team to 20 points

Taking the Panthers here, of course. The price isn’t great, but I think it’s an easy win. I’m going hard on both Carolina and the over here, so this is an easy pick. I wouldn’t be surprised if it hits by halftime.

PICK 6: Total touchdowns over 6.5

Just going along with the theme here. I can see five touchdowns here with the game hitting way over 50.5. Obviously, I see a large scoring output by Carolina. But I can also see the Buccaneers getting into the 20s as well. This game can be one of the more offensive games of Week 2. With a strong price, this is a smart play.