Game 14

Bucs (7-6) at Chargers (8-5)

Kickoff: 4:25 p.m.

TV: FOX (WTVT-TV Channel 13, locally) with Adam Amin, Mark Sanchez and Kristina Pink.

Streaming: NFL+, YouTube TV (Sunday Ticket) (Geographic restrictions apply; subscription may be required).

Radio: Buccaneers Radio Network WXTB-FM 97.9 in the Tampa-St. Petersburg region (Transmisiones de radio en español en WTMP-FM 96.1 y WMGG-AM 1470 en Tampa). Additional stations throughout Florida on the Buccaneers Radio Network can be found here. The game also will be broadcast on SiriusXM Channel 383 (Buccaneers Radio Network feed).

Weather: It’s been chilly in the City of Angels. Per AccuWeather.com, tailgaters will have to tolerate temperatures in the upper-50s. Kickoff temperature is expected to be 62 climbing to a high of 67 by halftime. Before the game ends, expect a temperature of 63, all under sunny skies. Technically, SoFi Stadium is not a dome. It is a stadium that instead of a roof, is under a giant canopy that also provides cover for the plaza surrounding it.

Odds: Per Hard Rock Bet, as of midnight, Bucs +3 (+125); over/under 45.5.

Referees: The history of Scott Novak and his gang suggests this should be a very close game. Or maybe even a Bucs win. Home teams in games with Novak and his outfit working are 27-49-3 against the spread, per Sharp Football Analysis. Given that the Bucs are a three-point dog, if history plays out, the Bucs should be right there with the Chargers in a position to win the game.

Injuries: Bucs — Out: ILB K.J. Britt (ankle), S Mike Edwards (hamstring), WR Kameron Johnson (ankle), OLB Markees Watts (knee), S Antoine  Winfield (knee). Questionable: CB Josh Hayes (hamstring), RB Bucky Irving (back/hip), CB Christian Izien (groin), ILB J.J. Russell (hamstring), WR Sterling Shepard (foot), OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (ankle). Chargers — Out: TE Will Disly (shoulder), WR Jalen Reagor (finger). Questionable:  WR Ladd McConkey (knee/shoulder), LB Denzel Perryman (groin).

Outlook: Joe has a hunch there is an opening for the Bucs, but a narrow one. Joe has seen the Chargers and just isn’t impressed. Yes, they have a good team but it’s not like the Bucs cannot beat a good team. The Bucs have beaten the Commandoes, Lions and Eagles. The Chargers, with the exception of smallish rookie Ladd McConkey, really don’t have any receivers. Defensively, statistically, their run defense really isn’t any better than the Bucs’, but their pass defense is. The catch here is the Chargers don’t give up the fewest points in the NFL. It seems the Chargers are more of a bend-but-don’t-break defense, so Joe really sees an opportunity for the Bucs. It won’t be easy. The Chargers are a physical team; this is a buckle-your-chin-strap type of game. The last time the Bucs had such a game, Baltimore beat the snot out of them. As always, the key is who scores first. The Bucs are 0-5 when their opponent scores first. The Bucs are 7-1 when they score first. So dang it, score firs,t Bucs!

Fun facts: Last week Baker Mayfield had his eighth game in which he threw three touchdown passes. He is second in the NFL for three-touchdown-pass games. … The only other running back besides RB Rachaad White to have at least five receiving touchdowns this season is Miami’s De’Von Achane. … WR Mike Evans has at least 60 yards receiving in three of his last four road games. … In his only game against the Bucs (while playing for the Patriots) in 2021, In his only other game against the Chargers, ILB Lavonte David had a pick-six in San Diego in 2016. … DT Calijah Kancey currently has a four-game road streak with a sack. … Chargers QB Justin Herbert last week tied Tom Brady for having an 11-game streak in the same season without a pick. … WR Ladd McConkey looks for his seventh straight game of at least 50 yards receiving. … OLB Joey Bosa has two tackles for loss in his last three home games. … OLB Khalil Mack looks to reach three straight games with a pass defensed.

Ira Kaufman Talks Jason Licht Comments, Bucs-Chargers Thoughts & Predictions, Big-Picture Evaluations, Behind The Scenes On Todd Bowles Retirement Chatter & More

]