The New England Patriots lost at home to what can only be described as an average Carolina Panthers last weekend, but they still find themselves as clear favorites on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a short week.
The Patriot’s defence has been embarrassed on a number of occasions this season and if it were not for the brilliance of Tom Brady their start to the season would be a lot worse.
New England have still won their past nine games as away favourites and they are 8-1 against the line in this scenario.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have flown under the radar so far this season, but they are 3-1 and they have played some great football.
This is easily their toughest test of the season to date, but they have won two of their past three games as home underdogs and have an offence that will definitely test the Patriots’ struggling defense.
This game promises to be a head to head shootout, which I believe favors the home side Tampa, who come into this will little offensive injuries whilst the patriots will be without Edelman and at the time of print most likely Gronkowski. The Buccaneers ran wild on an above average defense in the Giants last week, Tom Brady and the Patriots will have to control the clock to see there poor defensive unit spend as little time on the field as possible. That might prove difficult with there best weapons in the passing game, missing the likes of Blount from last season.
ODDS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | |||
New England Patriots |
BEST BET
Mike Evans to score a touchdown and Buccaneers to win |