The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2 SU, 3-3 ATS) head to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders (3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS) on Sunday with one of the highest totals of the week. The Bucs sport one of the league’s best defenses and will look to force Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (11 TD, 1 INT) into making a rare mistake.
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
The game opened with the Bucs as favorites at -3 and that line has held steady early in the week. The total opened at 54, the third-highest total of the week, and that number has moved down to 53 or 53.5 depending on the sportsbook.
Tampa Bay News & Notes
The Buccaneers, coming off an impressive win over the previously undefeated Green Bay Packers, enter Week 7 playing as well as anyone on offense and defense. The Bucs sport a +55 point differential that is the best in the NFC and third in the league behind Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
The Bucs defense has been the backbone of their success this season, allowing just 4.6 yards per play (first) and 3.0 yards per rush (first) and forcing 11 turnovers (tied for second).
On offense, look for running back Ronald Jones to continue his successful season. Jones has rushed for over 100 yards in three straight games and the Raiders have allowed a league-high 10 touchdowns on the ground as well as 4.8 yards per carry, eighth highest in the league.
Las Vegas News & Notes
The Raiders defense has been an issue for the team so far this season. Las Vegas has allowed the third-most yards per play and has been poor against both the run and pass.
But the Raiders offense has been productive and efficient with Derek Carr at the helm. Carr has 11 touchdown passes and just one interception to go along with a top-10 yards per attempt (eighth), quarterback rating (second) and QBR (seventh).
With the Raiders defense struggling and the Buccaneers fielding the league’s best run defense, Carr could be forced to throw more than the Raiders would like. Look for rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs to be the beneficiary as the Raiders air the ball out in a game with a high point total.
Betting Pick: Buccaneers -3
The Bucs had an almost perfect game against the Packers in Week 6 with no turnovers and no penalties. Their top-ranked rush defense is a tough matchup for a Raiders team that likes to lean on its running game.