The Green Bay Packers (1-1) travel to Raymond James Stadium this Sunday to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) in a clash between two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks.
Tom Brady and the Bucs have won the previous two meetings over Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, with the last matchup being in the NFC Championship Game back in January 2021.
Who will have the edge this season? Let’s look at current betting lines to find our Green Bay vs Tampa Bay best bets.
Packers vs Buccaneers Odds
Sportsbooks have Tampa Bay listed as a narrows 1.5 favorite at home over the Packers, which makes this game a virtual toss-up.
The Over/Under comes in at a modest 41.5, which is currently tied for the fourth-lowest game total on FanDuel.
Take a look at the best Packers odds and Buccaneers odds for the 2022 NFL season.
Packers vs Buccaneers Implied Totals
Buccaneers 21.5, Packers 20
As mentioned above, sportsbooks predict this matchup will be a close battle with the Buccaneers holding a slight edge as the home team.
Packers vs Buccaneers Pick of the Day
Read more on this Packers vs Buccaneers bet below.
Packers vs Buccaneers Prediction
Packers 21, Buccaneers 17
Tampa Bay has looked like a much stronger defensive unit than an offensive juggernaut to start their 2022 campaign. The Buccaneers have allowed just 13 points over the first two weeks of the season against the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. On the other hand, Tampa has scored just 29 points over that span (14.5 per game) after averaging 30.1 points per game in 2021.
Green Bay comes in fresh off a 27-10 victory over the Chicago Bears after a disappointing loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. It is no secret that Rodgers is working to build rapport with his new wide receivers, whether it be with rookie wideouts Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs or veteran Sammy Watkins.
However, the Packers have a fantastic safety blanket with their running back tandem of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. The pair rushed for a combined 193 yards against Chicago (237 total yards). If Green Bay is able to establish their run game in Tampa, they should be able to maintain an advantage if they limit turnovers.
This matchup could come down to the injury report, with Tampa Bay Chris Godwin having been ruled out on Friday and Julio Jones listed as questionable. The loss of either wide receiver could prove pivotal with star receiver Mike Evans being suspended for one game following an altercation with Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
I expect a defensive battle that will be decided by less than a touchdown. Right now, that has me leaning toward Green Bay, but check back later in the week when the injury report is better defined.
Packers vs Buccaneers Bet Tips
- Green Bay is 2-5 against the spread in their last seven games
- Tampa Bay is 4-1 against the spread in their last five games.
- Tampa Bay is 11-3 against the spread in their last 14 home games.
Packers vs Buccaneers Best Bets
Packers: Win By 1-13 Points (+170) at FanDuel Sportsbook
Wager: 1 Unit
As mentioned above, I expect this game to be a close defensive battle with Green Bay pulling out a narrow victory.
You could take the Packers at +3, but at -118, you would be giving up a wide spread in order to secure margins of victory with around a four percent chance to hit (one or two points), with a push at an even three. If this line were to jump to 3.5 then my recommendation would be for Green Bay to cover.
As it stands, I prefer to bet on the “Winning Margin" for an improved payout.
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Under 41.5 Total Points (-105) at FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Battle of the Bays should come down to possession, turnovers, and controlling the clock. The Packers’ path to victory will include a heavy run attack while the Buccaneers continue to lean on their defense early in the season.
Take the Under in this showdown in Tampa.
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