Can Tampa Bay Continue Winning Ways?
Bucs vs Packers Betting Trends Split
It wasn’t that long ago that a game between 6-7 teams wouldn’t garner much attention. But the addition of a few more wild card teams has now made this game pretty significant from a playoff perspective. Of course, the Buccaneers have the luxury of playing in the worst division in the NFL. Three 6-7 teams are tied for first, while 1-12 Carolina brings up the rear. The Packers are chasing Detroit and Minnesota in the NFC North. Both teams have a few advantages working in their favor in the Bucs vs Packers betting trends. The Packers are favored by 3 points (-120) and the total on the game is 41.5. Green Bay is -170 on the moneyline.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Green Bay Packers 
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay Wisconsin
Day/Time:
Lines: Green Bay -3 (-120)
Total: 41.5
Streaming: CBS
Tampa Bay in Hunt For Division Title
The Buccaneers weren’t very good last year and managed to win the NFC South. They aren’t particularly good this year and have a chance to win the division. The odds on Tampa Bay winning the NFC championship game are +6000. The Bucs’ Super Bowl odds are a hefty +12500. But Tampa Bay is just +180 to win its division. That’s how weak the NFC South is this season.
Tampa Bay’s offense is averaging 20.2 points per game while gaining just 304.4 total yards a contest. So, Tampa Bay is at least capitalizing on its opportunities. The Buccaneers don’t run the ball very well, gaining just 3.5 yards per carry. The passing game is pretty average, gaining 6.3 yards per attempt. Tampa Bay does help itself by cutting down on the number of turnovers. The Bucs are No. 7 in the league for fewest turnovers.
Tampa Bay’s defense hasn’t played badly, allowing 20.8 points per game. The Bucs are pretty good against the run but can give up some yardage through the air. Tampa Bay is allowing 3.9 yards per rush, but giving up 7.2 yards per pass attempt. That’s something the Bucs are going to have to improve.
Packers Have to Regroup Quickly
Green Bay doesn’t have much time to dwell on Monday night’s loss to the Giants. This is a game they have to win. The Bucs vs Packers betting trends show that Green Bay has gone 4-2 against the spread at home this season. They won their lone game as a home favorite, easily covering the spread. But the Bucs are 6-1 ATS on the road, so both teams are in favorable situations.
Jordan Love entered the season in pretty much a no-win situation. He isn’t Aaron Rodgers or Brett Favre, but he hasn’t done that bad of a job in his first season as a starter. The Packers are averaging 223 passing yards per game. Love has thrown for 3,084 yards and 23 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. Green Bay’s running game is pretty average, so Love has had to make some plays.
The Packer defense has been fair. Green Bay is allowing 20.5 points to teams averaging 20.8 points. The rush defense has hurt the Packers, with teams gaining 4.6 yards per carry. The pass defense has been a little better than average, partly because teams run against Green Bay quite a bit.
What to Expect
Even though they’re not very good at it, the Bucs do try to run the football. They might have a little more success against Green Bay than other teams. But it’s unlikely Tampa Bay’s ground game is going to lead the Bucs to victory. They’ll need Mayfield to make some key throws, which isn’t entirely out of the question if he has time to throw. But Tampa Bay will likely try to run at least 25 times depending on the game situation.
Green Bay will run some but is better off letting Love throw the ball frequently. The Bucs aren’t very good against the pass and the Packers should have success through the air. Tampa Bay is allowing 298.9 passing yards in road games this season.
Who to Bet On?
You can look at the Bucs vs Packers betting trends and make a case for both teams. Tampa Bay has been good on the road and as an underdog (6-3), while the Packers have been decent at home. The historical situations lean to Green Bay, as home favorites off a loss as an away favorite are 15-10-2 ATS when playing a team off a win as an away underdog. It’s a small sample size, but the NFL scores show there is a bit of logic to the trend.
But ultimately, this one comes down to matchups. The Bucs will have a little success on the ground, but the Packers should be able to move the ball through the air. The price is reasonable, so will have to side with Green Bay -3 in this game.
For NFL odds, NFL picks, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
