The Carolina Panthers are off to a surprisingly poor 1-3 start to the 2016 season. They have a chance to get back on track with a home date against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night, but they'll be playing that game without their star quarterback.

Cam Newton suffered a concussion during last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons and was ruled out on Saturday after missing practice all week. He'll have to be cleared by an independent neurologist before he can return to practice. With Newton out, backup Derek Anderson will make the start for Carolina.

The quarterback on the other side of the field, Jameis Winston, is on pace to throw 32 interceptions this season and was recently called out by coach Dirk Koetter for his play. The Carolina secondary has been much friendlier to opponents this season than it was a year ago, so maybe this game represents a chance for him to get going.

The projections from Thursday night had Charlotte outside the radius of Hurricane Matthew, but the league began making contingency plans for the game anyway.

"We are in close contact with local and state authorities about the hurricane. As always, our overriding concern is for public safety and not doing anything that will divert important resources away from communities that may be in distress," NFL spokesperson Natalie Ravitz said. "Consistent with that, we conducting contingency planning for Sunday's Tennessee at Miami game as well as Monday's Tampa Bay at Carolina game."

The NFL has since given the green light to Sunday's Titans-Dolphins game, and an announcement regarding whether Monday's night's game will proceed as scheduled should come at some point during the weekend.

How to watch

What: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers When: Monday, Oct. 10, 8:30 p.m. ET

Monday, Oct. 10, 8:30 p.m. ET Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC TV: ESPN Play-by-play : Sean McDonough Color analyst : Jon Gruden Sideline reporter : Lisa Salters

ESPN Streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile app

Verizon NFL Mobile app Online: NFL Game Pass (available to watch online after midnight)

NFL Game Pass (available to watch online after midnight) Odds: The Panthers are 4.5-point favorites, according to SportsLine.

Injury Report

Buccaneers

Panthers

Prisco's Pick

The Panthers are a shocking 1-3 and have to get things turned around. They have an opponent that can make that work. The Panthers have to keep a watch on Cam Newton and his concussion. But the Bucs aren't playing well. That shows up. Panthers roll.

Pick: Panthers 31, Buccaneers 14

