Bucs Finally Underdogs With Trip To Tinseltown

There may not be a more intriguing matchup this season than Tampa Bay (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS) heading to Los Angeles (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS). Both teams appear to be offensive juggernauts with very solid defenses as well. At first glance, a 1-point spread doesn’t feel like enough to justify jumping on one team or the other, as the game is essentially a pick’em.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Both teams have been impressive and because of that, this line feels right at 1 point.  I am mildly surprised, though, that the Rams are not getting the point. After all, Tom Brady looks like the early favorite for MVP and the Bucs are coming off a Super Bowl. This is likely the oddsmakers hedging against the Rams showing that magic that made Sean McVay so magical early in his career.

Tampa Bay News & Notes

After their Super Bowl victory, many didn’t know what to expect with the Bucs and if the team would jell in the same way it did during the postseason run. Early on, the results have been excellent. The Buccaneers offense has looked like a machine and has produced back-to-back 30-point games.

Those efforts have seen them cover one game with a strong close, while in the other contest they couldn’t quite pull away from Dallas enough to get to the 9-point spread. Either way, nobody is satisfied, with Brady saying: “We were a little loose with the ball. I certainly wish I had made a few better throws. There’s a lot to build on.”

That type of attitude is what has allowed him to sustain success for a long period of time, and the Bucs look poised to do it again.

Los Angeles News & Notes

If anyone had any doubts what Matthew Stafford could accomplish with a great offensive mind, we have an idea now. Stafford has been awesome so far, throwing for 599 yards in two games, and more importantly helping the Rams to 2-0.

After a Week 1 trouncing of the Bears, the Rams didn’t look quite as sharp on the road against Indy, which is to be expected early in the season. After all, the oddsmakers even called it – the line ended with the Rams giving 4 points and earning a three-point victory.

Even so, the Rams are 2-0 and McVay was effusive in his praise of Stafford: “He relishes those moments and he was at his best when his best was required.”

Either way, the Rams look like a team that could be frustrating to gauge this season, as they figure to face some big spreads as the year goes on.

Staff Betting Pick: UNDER 54.5

This game is essentially a pick’em and I could really see it going either way. The Rams defense will be fired up and will get pressure on Brady. I see both defenses making the other team work and 54 points is still a solid chunk. Take the UNDER with caution.