A pair of disappointing NFC teams, but the last two Super Bowl winners, will square off when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Let’s dig into this matchup and discuss the Rams-Buccaneers prediction and betting odds.
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NFL Odds: Rams-Buccaneers Odds
Spread: Buccaneers -3 (-105)
Over/Under: 42.5 points
Location: Raymond James Stadium
Time: 1 p.m. EST
TV: CBS
Rams Offense vs. Buccaneers Defense
A big reason the Rams have been underwhelming is because the offense isn’t what it once was. Last year’s Super Bowl run was fueled by quarterback Matthew Stafford getting hot at the right time. This season, Stafford has seven touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Rams offensive line has been overwhelmed on a weekly basis and there appears to be no weapons outside of wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
The Buccaneers rank sixth in the NFL in scoring defense at 18.9 points per game. The two times Tampa Bay has surrendered more than 20 points came against the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. The current version of the Rams offense doesn’t compare to those teams.
Buccaneers Offense vs. Rams Defense
Tampa Bay QB Tom Brady came out of retirement, but you have to believe he doesn’t like seeing the Rams again. In what was thought to be the final game of his NFL career, Brady threw for 329 yards with one touchdown and one interception, and was sacked three times in a 30-27 playoff loss to the Rams last season.
But things don’t appear to be much better for the Tampa Bay offense. The Buccaneers are averaging 18.3 points per game, which ranks 25th, and Brady has nine touchdown passes in eight games.
Rams at Buccaneers Pick
With this spread on a key number (-3), there’s less inclination to place a bet on the home team. If the line drops to 2.5, there is certainly an argument to back the Buccaneers, who haven’t played since Thursday Night Football last week.
But the Under is the better play, especially with what we know about both offenses. The Under has come through in a combined 11 games for these teams, including six of Tampa Bay’s eight. There are likely better days ahead for these offenses, but Sunday shouldn’t be one of those days.
Rams at Buccaneers Prediction: Under 42.5 points (-110) at BetMGM
