Anyone still doubting what Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady can accomplish at this point in his career are beyond delusional. However, Brady may have a much tougher time getting back to the NFC title game if there is no one left to protect him.
Two of the Buccaneers’ best linemen — Tristan Wifts and Ryan Jensen — each suffered ankle injuries and were non-participants in practice Wednesday. Los Angeles’ defense also is riding momentum after a dominant performance in a 34-11 victory over the Cardinals in the Wild Card round.
Rams at Buccaneers Stats
Looking at the Los Angeles stats
While the defense shined throughout Los Angeles’ first-round win, the Rams showed the value of having a quarterback with a high pedigree.
Matthew Stafford, who has passed for 5,008 yards this season, didn’t make many mistakes and passed for 202 yards and two touchdowns against Arizona. The Rams also had a balanced running attack, with Sony Michel and Cam Akers collecting 58 and 55 rushing yards collectively.
Los Angeles’ defense dominated the Cardinals. The Rams’ rushing defense has been tough to handle this season, as Los Angeles ranks sixth in the league, allowing 103.2 rushing yards per game.
Los Angeles has also recorded 24 takeaways this season, which ranks 11th in the league. Against Arizona, the Rams limited the Cardinals to 183 yards of total offense and recorded two sacks.
Looking at the Tampa Bay stats
Tampa Bay’s passing offense has been cutting opposing defenses to shreds, despite its tumultuous personnel situation at wide receiver. The Buccaneer rank No. 1 in the league, averaging 307.6 yards per game.
In the Wild Card round against the Philadelphia Eagles, Brady passed for 271 yards and two touchdowns. The Buccaneers had three different players catch at least five passes, and nine players catch at least one pass.
The Buccaneers defense ranks third in the league, averaging 92.5 rushing yards per game. Tampa Bay allows 20.8 points per game, which ranks fifth in the league. The Buccaneers have also been opportunistic, taking the ball away 29 times.
Betting Trends for Los Angeles at Tampa Bay
- Tampa Bay is 7-2 against the spread as a home favorite.
- The Rams are 2-0 against the spread as an underdog.
- The over has gone 9-8-1 in Los Angeles’ games this season.
- The total has gone over in nine of the Buccaneers’ games.
- Tampa Bay is 8-5 against the spread following a win.
Who to Bet Rams at Buccaneers
Top sportsbooks have the Buccaneers as a 2.5-point favorite. Tampa Bay is -148 on the moneyline, and the Rams are +128. The over/under is set at 48.5 points.
The Buccaneers’ offensive attack will be at the mercy of who they have up front. If Brady has time, Tampa Bay will be able to find holes in Los Angeles’ defense.
The Rams’ defensive line gave Arizona’s line a rude welcome last week. Defense travels, and Los Angeles will steal a victory on the road.