Betting The Bucs (Week 15 Edition)
December 15th, 2024
In-game injuries kicked Joe in the groin last Sunday. A valuable lesson.
Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell left the game, as did Bucs running back Bucky Irving. That led Joe to a winless week and dropped Joe’s season record to 10-13 in Bucs-related picks here in this space.
“Betting the Bucs” reveals weekly where Joe is throwing cash within that day’s Buccaneers game. Of course, it’s only Joe’s pregame picks, not in-game wagers.
(Sports betting is legal in Florida but just via one government-regulated Florida sportsbook monopoly run by the Seminole tribe. That’s where Joe gets the betting lines.)
Good luck!
Buccaneers to score first (+100) — So the Bucs do a great job scoring on their opening drive and early in games. In fact, Tampa Bay leads the NFL averaging 7.5 points per first quarter. Joe suspects the Bucs will elect to receiver if they win the toss and the Chargers will kick to the Bucs if they win, so that’s a bonus here. The rank No. 12 in the NFL in first-quarter scoring.
Justin Herbert over 21.5 completions (-105) — Simply put, nearly every QB has a high-for-them completion total against the Bucs, courtesy of a weak edge rush, soft zone coverage and avoiding the Bucs’ solid run defense. Herbert doesn’t usually complete this many balls, but he doesn’t usually see the Bucs’ pass defense.
Jalen McMillan under 2.5 receptions (+120) — Not a good matchup for McMillan against the Chargers secondary, plus Joe believes the wide receiver screens are more likely to go to Sterling Shepard or Mike Evans. And Joe suspects the Chargers’ big pass rush will translate to more passes to running backs and Cade Otton. Joe also likes the +120 here.
Chargers under 23.5 points (+100) — The Chargers haven’t busted 23 points in three consecutive weeks and their offense has sputtered with injuries to running back J.K. Dobbins and others. Justin Herbert also has injuries that are hurting his mobility. Joe thinks the Bucs defense will disrupt just enough to keep the Chargers’ total down.
December 15th, 2024 at 2:13 pm
Not betting but I think J-Mac gets 3+ catches. Liam and baker, I’d guess, are very much wanting to build on his confidence from last week.
December 15th, 2024 at 2:39 pm
Bucs have had their number including Bradys 5 td passes a couple year ago. Bakefield should throw for at least 3 or 4 tds. If Bucs are to win the division they can do it today.
December 15th, 2024 at 3:02 pm
Bucky and Izien are a go today. Lets see how healthy they look.
December 15th, 2024 at 3:24 pm
^ Chargers are not even remotely the same team from back then.
Bucs need to win out to make the playoffs. And don’t look now but the Cowboys are destroying the Panthers.
December 15th, 2024 at 3:38 pm
Winning is never easy but, if our Bucs offense continues to be excellent and explosive, I am confident Bucs win !!
Hang on to your chairs Bucs Fans !!
Go Bucs !! Beat the Chargers!!
December 15th, 2024 at 3:45 pm
Speaking of bets, silly me for taking the Browns at +4. Jameis Winston is still the biggest r3+ard on the planet, although I’m sure Rod Munch is cranking one out to another one of his interceptions as we speak. Are there bigger cuks in the world than FSU/Jameis fans? To still love a guy after endless interceptions is exactly like loving a woman who won’t stop serving other men
December 15th, 2024 at 3:47 pm
Jameis is America’s Turnover Machine.
I guess his prayers were shot down by the big guy upstairs.
Mahomes has been getting blasted all day.
December 15th, 2024 at 3:51 pm
I just checked his sheet and Ol JayMiss be doin his thang.
5 J. Winston 16/25 146 0 3
Man, he be a slinga!
December 15th, 2024 at 3:52 pm
Oof.
Jaboo hasn’t changed a bit..
December 15th, 2024 at 3:53 pm
To think of what could have been.
Instead we’ve won the division how many times (?) and a SB since 2019.
😂😂😂
December 15th, 2024 at 4:47 pm
Dooosh- nailed it