LA Rams vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Divisional Pick
Our Rams vs Buccaneers prediction is for the second NFC Divisional Round game of the 2022 playoffs. It will kick off at 3:00 pm ET on Sunday, January 23. In this NFC game, Tampa Bay is favored by -3.0 (-105). Underdog Los Angeles is listed at +3.0 (-125). The total is 48.0 with the over at -115 and under at -105. After reading our NFC pick, be sure to check out our AFC Bills vs Chiefs prediction.
The LA Rams (12-5 Overall, 7-2 Away) finished first in the NFC West. In the Wildcard Round, the Rams easily beat Arizona 34-11. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13-4 Overall, 7-1 Home) were first in the NFC South. In their Wildcard matchup, the Bucs took down Philadelphia 31-15.
This NFC Divisional contest will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The weather will be partly sunny with winds from the NW at 13 mph and gusts at 24 mph. Temperatures will be in the mid-to-high 50s. The game will be on NBC.
Rams vs Buccaneers Prediction – Keys
Yesterday in our NFL Divisional Round picks we were 0-4. Those picks were based on major statistical analysis. However, yesterday’s games and today’s feature teams that are very closely aligned. Little separates them. Thus, today’s analysis will be less dense than yesterday’s, focusing on a few key aspects that could be difference makers in both the AFC and NFC games. As a result, we’ll be crunching fewer numbers than we did yesterday.
Offense
It’s Matthew Stafford vs Tom Brady. Brady is the GOAT, while in one season, Stafford has helped to transform the Rams from wannabes to contenders. Both QBs have put up amazing numbers thias season, and both have the potential to rack up passing yards and TD passes today. They’ll be throwing to top-notch receiving units.
Cooper Kupp leads a deep receiving unit for LA, while with leading receiver Chris Goodwin out due to injury and star wideout Antonio Brown gone, Brady will look to WR Mike Evans and TE Rob Gronkowski to get the job done. Sony Michel and Darrell Henderson Jr. lead a solid rushing unit. Always dangerous RB Leonard Fournette anchors the Tampa ground game.
Defense
Meanwhile both defenses feature tough pass rushes and fine run-stopping chops. Also, each team brings solid secondaries to the field. For the Rams, DT Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd eat up QBs and RBs. Corner Jalen Ramsey is a prodigious defender. The Buc D includes the versatile Shaquil Barrett. He does it all. LB Devin White is a tackle machine.
Rams vs Buccaneers Prediction - Spread & Totals
In our NFC Rams vs Buccaneers prediction, we see this as a dead heat. However, we give the edge to the hungry Rams due to their slight advantage on defense. We anticipate a lot of scoring with the final being Rams 37 and Tampa Bay 32. Thus, take the over and LA.
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Summary – LA Rams vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Divisional Pick:
Point Spread Pick – LA Rams +3.0 (-125)
Totals Pick - Over 48.0 (-115)
