The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hope to take another step toward a surprising playoff appearance when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Tampa Bay (7-7) defeated the Green Bay Packers 34-20 in Week 15 to remain in a tie for first place in the NFC South. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6) fell 23-7 to the Baltimore Ravens to lose its grip atop the AFC South.
Who has the edge? Let’s break down the NFL Week 16 odds and reveal our best bets.
Jaguars vs Buccaneers Odds
NFL odds used for this Jacksonville vs Tampa Bay preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Dec. 18 at 2:45 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Jaguars (-110) • Buccaneers (-110)
- Spread: Jaguars -1 (-105) • Buccaneers +1 (-115)
- Total Points: Over 43.5 (-110) • Under 43.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Jaguars 22.25, Buccaneers 21.25
Jaguars vs Buccaneers Predictions
Score Pick: Buccaneers 24, Jaguars 21
Jacksonville came up small in primetime, fumbling away its AFC South lead against Baltimore. As such, it dropped to 8-6 and into a three-way tie atop the division with the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts.
Even more concerning, Trevor Lawrence is now in concussion protocol. It’s believed Lawrence sustained his injury in the fourth quarter, although the quarterback was able to finish the game. If Lawrence can’t go, the Jaguars would likely turn to C.J. Beathard, who’s just 2-10 in his career as a starter.
That doesn’t bode well against the red-hot Buccaneers, winners of three straight.
Jaguars vs Buccaneers Best Bets & Props
Buccaneers +1 (-115)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The Jaguars are slight road favorites, but I’m not sure I buy it. They’ve already dropped three straight and now face the prospect of being without their Pro Bowl quarterback.
Tampa Bay has a Jekyll-and-Hyde feel, with a perfectly average 7-7 record. But the Buccaneers have been hot of late and get to unleash Baker Mayfield against the NFL’s fifth-worst passing defense (256.6 yards allowed per game).
That’s enough to sell me on Tampa Bay +1 as my NFL bet of the day.
Over 43.5 (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
If Lawrence is out, this total is bound to drop. Until then, I’m going by what I see.
Jacksonville and Tampa Bay have yet to be able to stop anybody consistently. They’re both ranked bottom-10 defensively, including 28th and 31st, respectively, against the pass.
In addition, the Buccaneers have gone Over the total in four straight games, and the Jaguars in three of their previous five.
Again, Lawrence’s status bears monitoring. But for now, I’ll side with the offenses.
Jaguars +1.5 1H (-140)
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
During a mistake-filled first half against Baltimore, Jacksonville ended four drives in Ravens territory, only to come up empty. Two missed field goals, a fumble, and terrible clock management were to blame.
Even with Beathard, it’d be hard for Jacksonville to duplicate that level of ineptitude.
This game is essentially a pick ‘em, and Jacksonville should hang with Tampa Bay early. I’m not sure the Jaguars can outlast them for four quarters if Lawrence is out.
Jaguars vs Buccaneers Same Game Parlay
Jaguars vs Buccaneers SGP (+695)
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
- Buccaneers -1.5 (-102)
- Over 39.5 (-188)
- Jaguars +1.5 1H (-140)
The Buccaneers are among the most profitable teams ATS, covering seven of their eight games on the road. With Tampa Bay needing every win it can to hold onto its lead atop the NFC South, I’m betting on that trend to continue.
The Jaguars are facing some uncertainty, with Lawrence dealing with another injury. The former No. 1 overall pick remains Jacksonville’s biggest weapon outside of Travis Etienne and the best bet for those hoping for a shootout. So, in this case, I’m hedging the total down to 39.5 to improve the odds of cashing in.
