Tampa Bay vs. Washington Playoff Pick

by | Last updated Jan 5, 2021 | nfl

Tom Brady QB Bucs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5 SU, 9-7 ATS) vs. Washington Football Team (7-9 SU, 8-7-1 ATS)

NFC Wild Card Playoff Preview

Date/Time: Saturday January 9th, 2021. 8:15PM (EST)

Where: FedEx Field Landover, MD

TV:NBC

Point Spread: TB -8/WAS +8 (BetOnline – We tested their bitcoin payouts and it was under one hour! Great live betting platform too!)

Over/Under Total: 45.5

Against all odds, the Washington Football Team clinched the NFC East crown following their controversial 20-14 victory over the Eagles in week 17. At just 7-9 SU, Washington secured the NFL’s weakest division and earned the opportunity to host their NFC Wild Card Playoff match-up this Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Clearly, Washington has not shown playoff-caliber potential this season, with six of their seven wins coming against teams with a combined record of 20-42-1. The only quality victory was a 23-17 over the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers, who somehow managed to lose 4 of their last five games.

As a result, Washington will be 8 point underdogs when they host the Buccaneers at FedEx Field this Saturday. Despite some early struggles this season, Tampa Bay has emerged as a legitimate contender in the NFC. The Buccaneers closed out the season with four straight victories, and it appears to be peaking at the right time. As everyone knows, the Tampa Bay offense is loaded with all-star talent, and they are finally playing to their preseason expectations. The Buccaneers have the talent to make a run in this year’s playoffs, but they must first take care of business against Washington this Saturday.

Washington DE Chase Young calls out Tom Brady

In case you missed the game or extended highlights last week, Washington DE Chase Young was yelling for Tom Brady as he exited the field following their playoff-clinching victory over the Eagles. While it may seem a little arrogant and slightly disrespectful to call out the G.O.A.T., I must also warn bettors that this is not exactly an easy match-up for the Buccaneers offense. Despite Washington’s limited success this season, especially on offense, the defense has been really strong. Washington ranks 6th in the NFL in sacks (47) and also sports a top 5 pressure-rate against opposing quarterbacks. Defensive ends Montez Sweat and Young have combined for 16.5 sacks this season, including four over the last two games. With all respect to the G.O.A.T, Brady has never been best under duress, and it will be interesting to see if Washington’s pass rush can disrupt the Buccaneers’ offensive momentum.

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Tampa Bay vs. Washington Betting Analysis

From a betting probability standpoint, the match-up still favors Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers also have a stout pass rush that will be problematic for the immobility of Washington QB Alex Smith. Washington’s biggest playmaker throughout the 2nd half of the season has been RB Antonio Gibson. However, Gibson will be faced with the challenge of going against the NFL’s top run defense. The Buccaneers have held opponents to just 80.6 yards per game and only 3.3 yards per attempt. Washington WR Terry McLaurin provides the biggest playmaking ability in the passing game along with an upside match-up possibility; however, the passing offense has been anything but reliable.

Meanwhile, I mentioned Washington’s defensive strengths earlier, and while I expect them to give Tampa Bay trouble, I just don’t think it will be enough. Buccaneers WR Mike Evans is considered day to day with a knee injury, which cast a shadow on this match-up. Still, WR Antonio Brown has played exceptionally well in recent weeks and the Buccaneers receiving cast of Chris Godwin, Scotty Miller, and Rob Gronkowski are capable of filling the void. Also, do not be surprised if RB Ronald Jones has an increased role this week. If the Bucs can find success on the ground, it will slow the pass-rush and open up things downfield.

Betting Trends

  • The Buccaneers are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 games
  • The Buccaneers are 5-0 SU in the last 5 road games
  • The Buccaneers are just 2-4 SU in the last 6 meetings against Washington
  • The Buccaneers have hit the “over” in 15 of their last 20 games against NFC opponents
  • Washington is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 games
  • Washington is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games in January
  • Washington has hit the “under” in their last 5 games
  • Washington has hit the “under” in 5 of the last 6 home games
  • Washington has hit the “under” in 5 of the last 7 games against Tampa Bay

Jay’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: I have no trust in Washington’s offense, and I would not be surprised to see the Buccaneers dominate this match-up on the defensive side of the football. Overall, Tampa Bay should keep things rolling. Take the Buccaneers -8. Bet this game and ALL your sports bets at -105 odds at one of the best books online —> BAS Sportsbook! Making the switch to reduced juice sports betting will save you hundreds of dollars per year in risked amount! Money that you could be spending to make more bets! Click here to get signed up and start saving big money TODAY!

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