The Los Angeles Chargers (8-5) host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6). Los Angeles is firmly in their AFC Wild Card position. Tampa Bay took over first place in the NFC South in Week 14. Our Buccaneers vs Chargers prediction is for the teams to score less than 45.5 points.
Head-to-head, the Charges have an 8-4 advantage
Offshore Odds: Chargers Favored by a Field Goal at Home
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buccaneers | +3 (-119) | +130 | O 45.5 (-110) |
| Chargers | -3 (-101) | -150 | U 45.5 (-110) |
Tampa Bay Leapfrogs Atlanta With 3 Straight Wins
After four straight tough losses between Week 7 and Week 10, Tampa Bay had fallen to 4-6, two games behind Atlanta in the NFC South. However, they won three straight while Atlanta lost three straight and took over first place. Although they lost both matchups with Atlanta, they hold their destiny in their hands.
The first obstacle is the playoff-bound Chargers. Their final three games are against also-rans Dallas, Carolina, and New Orleans.
Tampa’s offense is one of the NFL‘s most productive. They are fifth in the league in points scored per game, sixth in passing yards per game on the arm of Baker Mayfield, and eighth in rushing yards per game.
LA is not an easy mark. If, however, Tampa manages to win, their playoff spot will be reasonably assured.
Chargers Are Grappling for a Higher Playoff Seeding
At 8-5 and with their final two games of the season against New England and Las Vegas, the Chargers playoff position is safe. Still, they are tied with Denver and will play the Broncos at home in Week 16. Denver is playing the Colts and is favored. LA must beat Tampa if they want to get the highest seed possible in the playoffs and a favorable matchup.
Earlier in the week, there was concern that star quarterback Justin Herbert might miss the game with an ankle injury, but he is set to play. Top receiver Ladd McConkey is questionable with a knee injury. This adds to the club’s injury woes as they are already missing running back J.K. Dobbins. Their running game has suffered. They are trying to get by with veteran Gus Edwards and Kimani Vidal.
With key offensive weapons injured or compromised, the Chargers cannot get into a firefight with Tampa. They need to play ball control and keep Mayfield off the field.
Buccaneers vs Chargers Prediction: Points Will Be at a Premium
With LA riddled with injuries but still boasting a solid defense, expect the teams to arm wrestle back and forth with problems getting in the end zone. The two teams will combine to score less than 45.5 points.
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