The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles will kick off Week 6 on Thursday Night Football. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Buccaneers-Eagles prediction and pick.
It seems like the Buccaneers have recovered from their Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams without any problems. Since that defeat, Tampa Bay has notched two straight victories, with one win being a dominant showing against the Miami Dolphins. With those two consecutive wins, the Bucs have taken a commanding lead in the NFC South.
The Eagles actually helped them get that lead, as Philadelphia pulled off an upset of the Carolina Panthers in Week 5. Philly played terrible football for most of the game, but credit to head coach Nick Sirianni's squad for playing hard for all four quarters and securing the win.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the Buccaneers-Eagles odds for Thursday's game.
NFL Odds: Buccaneers-Eagles Odds
Tampa Bay Buccaneers -7 1/2 (+115)
Philadelphia Eagles +7 1/2 (-135)
Over 52 1/2 points (-110)
Under 52 1/2 points (-110)
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Why The Buccaneers Could Cover The Spread
While Tampa Bay's defense is the unit that delivered an elite Super Bowl showing, this offense will be the difference-maker in this one. The Buccaneers have been the best passing offense in terms of yardage per game and the second-best passing offense in terms of total touchdowns thrown. The Eagles have faced two offenses that are comparable to Tampa Bay's in the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs. Over those two contests, Philadelphia allowed 516 yards passing and eight touchdowns. Those are abysmal numbers, and they won't improve against Brady and one of the best wide receiver groups in the league. Expect the Bucs to move the ball through the air at will.
Most of Tampa Bay's defensive firepower is in the front seven, which happens to be perfect for this matchup against the Eagles. Philadelphia already struggles to run the football in any capacity, proven by the fact that they've never come particularly close to having an 100-yard rusher in any game this season. The Bucs are the best run defense in the league by far, so Philly should be forced to pass the ball all throughout this one. When the Eagles are forced to pass, Tampa Bay should be able to rush the passer capably. Two starting offensive linemen for Philly will miss this game, and there's a chance star right tackle Lane Johnson also doesn't suit up. Expect the Bucs to have a better day on defense than most expect.
Why The Eagles Could Cover The Spread
Despite their 4-1 record, the Buccaneers have looked mortal throughout the start of this season. The Cowboys nearly stole the season opener from them, and the New England Patriots were incredibly close to pulling off an upset win at home. The Eagles are a better team than the Patriots are and have the tools to cover here, even without Dallas Goedert. The Buccaneers have been horrendous defending the pass, ranking last in the NFL in terms of yards per game. Philly quarterback Jalen Hurts has surpassed 300 yards passing in two of his last three contests, and he should do that again here. The Eagles should manage to keep this close based solely on the strength of their offense.
Health is beginning to become a factor for most teams in the league, and Tampa Bay is no different. The Buccaneers have been hammered by injuries, and this short week isn't doing them any favors. Head coach Bruce Arians' team already has two starting corners on injured reserve, and now star linebacker Lavonte David is nursing an ankle injury. Starting center Ryan Jensen, tight end Rob Gronkowski, safety Antoine Winfield, and wide receiver Chris Godwin are other players who are likely to enter this game as questionable at the very best. Philadelphia will be playing a weakened version of the Buccaneers at home in this one.
Final Buccaneers-Eagles Prediction & Pick
This game is going to be a lot closer than anyone expects. Tampa Bay is just too injured to warrant a confident pick, and the Eagles are a little too inconsistent. Instead of taking either, the over is the best pick on the board. Taking the Eagles to cover is also a decent play.
FINAL BUCCANEERS-EAGLES PICK: Over 52 1/2 points (-110)
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