CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Because their defense still is one of the best in the NFL, and because I'm not sold on Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown or his offensive line, I have to pick the Carolina Panthers to win Sunday.

I know the Panthers are the popular choice to take a hard fall in 2014 and that they haven't won an opener since 2008. I know that quarterback Cam Newton will be sore with fractured ribs and his new offensive line is suspect.

I know the Bucs are the popular choice to rise and compete for the NFC South title that Carolina won last season, one that no team has won twice in a row.

I know it's a road game.

But defense still wins, particularly against subpar offenses. The Bucs will struggle to score more than field goals. Newton will find rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin for one touchdown and, despite his ribs, run for one.

Prediction: Panthers 17, Bucs 9