Game: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Los Angeles Rams

Date: November 23rd at 8:20 PM ET

Where to Watch: NBC

Last week was a tough, demoralizing loss for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Buffalo, and things won’t get any easier as they travel across the country to face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football. The Bucs have now dropped two straight, falling to 6-4, though they still sit atop the NFC South. Offensively, they remain in the league’s upper half, producing 332.2 yards per game (17th in the NFL) and 25.2 points per game (10th). The defense, however, has been far less reliable, allowing 342 yards per game (22nd) and 25 points per game (21st).

Los Angeles enters this matchup red-hot, riding a five-game win streak to an 8-2 record and positioning themselves as one of the league’s top teams. The Rams boast one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, averaging 360.9 yards per game (8th) and 27.2 points per game (6th). Their defense has been just as impressive, giving up only 323 yards per game (13th) and 17.2 points per game (2nd).

This matchup carries major significance for both sides: Tampa Bay is looking to avoid slipping deeper into a midseason slump, while the Rams aim to widen their division lead and strengthen their chase for the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

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Weather

Weather won’t be a major factor in this matchup. The stadium is open-air but covered, preventing any impact from precipitation. Winds should be mild, averaging around 4 mph with gusts up to 5 mph. Temperatures are expected to sit in the low 60s, potentially dipping into the high 50s.

Betting Overview

The Rams were only slight favorites in this matchup in the preseason at -1.5, but they’re now nearly touchdown favorites at -6.5. Moneylines have seen similar movement, with the best value for Tampa at +265 and Los Angeles at -320. The total has inched up from the original 47.5 to 49.5.

Position Group & Coaching Comparisons

Coaching: Todd Bowles and his staff haven’t been bad by any means, but it’s a different challenge when you’re facing someone like Sean McVay, who remains one of the best adapters and schemers in the NFL.

DLs vs. OLs: The Bucs appear to be significantly overmatched up front, especially with half of their offensive line dealing with an illness this week. This could turn into a long day in the trenches for Tampa Bay.

QBs: This should be a fun quarterback matchup, but Matthew Stafford has been statistically better all season and is putting up MVP-caliber numbers. He gets the clear edge here.

RBs & TEs vs. LBs: Tampa Bay should get Bucky Irving back this week. Neither team is particularly strong in the tight end room, and the Bucs have a slightly better linebacker group, so they hold the edge in this category.

WRs vs. Secondaries: Los Angeles boasts one of the best wide receiver duos in the league, and their secondary has held up well. Tampa Bay has dealt with injuries all season in the receiver room, and the secondary has struggled lately.

Betting Trends

Tampa is an even 5-5 ATS, with a 4-2 record on the road, a 3-2 record as a road dog, and a 4-2 record in the conference. The over has hit in 6 of 10, but the under has hit in 4 of 6 on the road and in 3 of 5 as road underdogs. In the conference, the totals have split 3 apiece.

Los Angeles is now 7-3 ATS, with a 3-2 record at home (all as favorites), and a 2-3 record in the conference. Totals have leaned toward the under, hitting in 6 of 10 games, with 4 of 5 at home, while the over has actually been more prominent in conference play, hitting in 3 of 5.

Final Thoughts

The odds are certainly stacked against the Buccaneers in this one. They have to travel across the country, and several players are either injured or dealing with illness. As much as many may hate it, I think the Bucs come out and fight in this one and manage to cover. I do think the over will hit in this game, though.