Buccaneers vs Eagles Pick
Our Buccaneers vs Eagles pick for October 14, 2021 has favored Tampa Bay at -6.5 (-111). On the other hand, underdog Philadelphia is at +7.5 (-140). The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-1) top the NFC South. They’ve won their last two games. In their last contest, the Buccaneers beat Miami 45-17. The Philadelphia Eagles (2-3) are tied with Washington for second in the NFC East. After beating Atlanta 32-6 in their opener, the Eagles lost three straight games. This past Sunday they got back on the winning track by beating Carolina 21-16
Tampa Bay vs Philadelphia – Quarterbacks and Offense
This game features Tom Brady vs Jalen Hurts. Our Buccaneers vs Eagles pick notes that Brady doesn’t just hold the edge when it comes to experience, but this season, he’s statistically better than Hurts. The Tampa Bay quarterback has tossed for 1,767 yards while completing 66.2 percent of his passes. Meanwhile, Hurts has thrown for 1,365 yards, completing 64.8 percent of his tosses. Brady has recorded 15 TD passes and two picks while being sacked nine times. Hurts has thrown seven TD passes and three picks. He’s been sacked 10 times. One area where Hurts has the advantage over Brady is rushing. In the ground attack, the young QB leads the Eagles with 256 yards, a 6.0 YPA average, and three scores. Brady has one rushing TD and a total of 36 ground yards while averaging 4.0 YPA.
One of Brady’s favorite targets tight end Rob Gronkowski is still out. However, Tampa Bay’s three top wideouts, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Antonio Brown, are all ready to play. Together, they’ve caught a total of nine TD passes. Dual threat Leonard Fournette leads the rush attack. He’s averaging 4.5 YPA and has one score.
For Philadelphia, tight end Dallas Goedert (2 TDs) is out due to COVID. He’s the only player on the team with more than one touchdown catch. Tight end Zach Ertz (1 TD) will play, as will top receivers DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, and Jalen Reagor. The trio has a total of two TD catches. Running back Kenneth Gainwell (2 TDs) is averaging 4.8 YPA.
Defense - Buccaneers vs Eagles
On defense, the Bucs have been stingy versus the run, allowing 45.8 YPG, but porous against the pass, giving up a hefty 328.2 YPG. On the other hand, the Eagles are tough against the air game, holding teams to 209.2 YPG. But, they’ve had a difficult time controlling the run, allowing 142.0 YPG.
However, when it comes to specific defensive stats, the Bucs look much more solid against the pass than one might think. Tampa Bay comes to this game with 25 PD, six INTs, and two pick sixes. Additionally, they’ve forced three fumbles, recovering two while recording 10 sacks and 13 TFL. The Eagles have made four picks, defended 11 passes, and recovered one-of-four forced fumbles. Their sacks total 11 and TFL are at 21.
Buccaneers vs Eagles Pick – Prediction
Tampa Bay will mount an offense that will focus on mixing the rush with short-to-medium passes. At times, Brady will launch one downfield and is likely to hit. We find that the Philly offense will have a tough time establishing the run. Hurts will need to be inventive, which he’s certainly capable of. However, we think that by the second half the Bucs will be in control, cruising to a win. Our Buccaneers vs Eagles pick is Tampa Bay at -6.5 (-111).
The game will be played at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA. Weather looks to be unremarkable with temperatures at game time around 70 degrees. Expect a calm, partly cloudy night with no precipitation.
This October 14, 2021, contest kicks off at 8:20 pm ET (FOX/NFL). Prior to making your Thursday Night Football bets check out the quality sports betting sites on our sportsbooks review page. Also, bookmark Sports Betting Smarts today and check in daily for free NFL, college football and basketball, and NBA projections, season previews, and much more.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Philadelphia Eagles – Summary
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Spread -6.5 (-111)
