That’s this Monday night folks.

It’s all about positioning in the remaining few weeks of the 2008-09 NFL football season and since both the Panthers and the Buccaneers are tied for first place in the NFC South, this little game we have on Monday night is BIG, to put it simply.

It is only fitting to have the biggest game of the week on Monday Night Football and since the Panthers and the Buccaneers are both looking for the sole leadership in their division, this week’s MNF game should be enough to keep all you football fans satisfied. (Especially for those of you who, like me, are still reeling over the biggest loss in professional boxing last weekend…)

The Carolina Panthers play hosts to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Monday night when both teams determine who is the No.1 team in the NFC South.

A game this big is, well… BIG, to say the least. Thankfully, Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia should be ready to come up with a solid effort come game night. After leading Tampa Bay to the playoffs in 2007, Garcia lost his starting job to Brian Griese in September after missing most of training camp with a calf injury and playing poorly in a season-opening loss at New Orleans.

Instead of sulking, Garcia focused on getting healthy while his coach, Jon Gruden, continued to have faith in him. Gruden just wanted the quarterback to revert to the player he was last season, and when he gave him another chance to start back in October 12, ironically against the Carolina Panthers, the Jeff Garcia who led the Bucs to the playoffs last season did show up.

Garcia completed 15 of 20 passes for 173 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in a 27-3 win. Since then, he has led Tampa Bay to four straight wins, keeping the Bucs starting QB spot for himself for the time being.

Garcia will be facing a Panthers defense that has been inconsistent. Garcia’s success against Carolina is partly due to his ability to escape the pass rush, avoiding a sack against the Panthers in each of his last two games against them.

Can good ol’ Jeff avoid another one? Just ask Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers.

Can the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 (2.00)

Carolina Panthers -3 (1.83)

Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for more football betting odds. Want to watch the NFL live? Get NFL tickets online now.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Carolina Panthers