The Los Angeles Rams (3-4) take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5) in a battle of two disappointing teams that had Super Bowl aspirations this season.
The Rams will look to keep pace with the Seahawks and 49ers with a big win, while the Bucs are fortunate to be playing in the weakest division in the NFL.
This is a matchup between two struggling offenses, each looking to get back on track. The losing team could be in big trouble when it comes to making the playoffs.
Let’s dive in to take a look at Los Angeles vs Tampa Bay best bets for Week 9 of the NFL season.
Rams vs Buccaneers Odds
The Bucs are short home favorites, which indicates that this game would be essentially a pick’em at a neutral location. The total is low because of how poorly each of these offenses have played this season.
Take a look at the best Rams odds and Buccaneers odds for the 2022 NFL season.
Rams vs Buccaneers Implied Totals
Buccaneers 22.75, Rams 19.75
Bookmakers project a closely-contested and low-scoring matchup. They predict that the Bucs will get it done at home, snapping their three-game losing streak.
Rams vs Buccaneers Pick of the Day
Read more on this Rams vs Buccaneers bet below.
Rams vs Buccaneers Prediction
Buccaneers 23, Rams 17
When looking at this matchup, we can see a clear advantage for the Bucs in the trenches. This is highlighted by the Football Outsiders metric Adjusted Sack Rate, which can be used to assess pass protection and pass rush.
Tampa Bay has a 4.4% Adjusted Sack Rate on offense (third), while the Rams come in at 7.3% ( tied for 15th) on defense. Tom Brady should have a clean pocket to go to work against a Rams defense that ranks 18th in Pass DVOA.
The Bucs’ pass rush has been one of the best in the NFL, ranking second with a 9.7% Adjusted Sack Rate. Meanwhile, the Rams have struggled in pass protection, coming in at 8.2% (tied for 23rd). We could see Matthew Stafford continue to be under duress in this game.
Tampa Bay is currently dealing with injuries in the secondary to Carlton Davis, Sean Murphy-Bunting, and Antoine Winfield Jr. This could help offset pass protection concerns for the Rams, but Cooper Kupp is dealing with an ankle injury.
When you consider the advantages that the Bucs have up front, you come away feeling confident in Tampa Bay coming up with the win at home.
Rams vs Buccaneers Bet Tips
Here are some Rams vs Buccaneers betting trends to consider before placing your bets:
- The Rams are 2-5 against the spread with Unders coming in at 5-2 in their games.
- The Bucs have gone 2-6 against the spread with Unders at 6-2.
- Los Angeles has struggled in pass protection and has an underwhelming pass rush.
- Tampa Bay has thrived at protecting Brady, while their pass rush is among the best.
Rams vs Buccaneers Best Bets
Buccaneers -3 (-110) at FanDuel Sportsbook
We’re getting the Bucs at a nice price at home, especially when you consider their advantages in the trenches. While the Rams have played well against Brady and the Bucs with Stafford and Sean McVay at the helm, winning their two matchups, I’ll roll with Tampa Bay to get it done here.
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Under 42.5 Points (-110) at FanDuel Sportsbook
The Under has gone a combined 11-4 in each of these team’s games. Another low-scoring game looks likely, especially if the Rams continue to struggle in pass protection. While this is a low bar to clear, I’m more confident in siding with the Under in this spot.
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Rams vs Buccaneers Props
Check out the best Rams vs Buccaneers player prop bets this week with our props comparison tool. Click on the Los Angeles vs Tampa Bay game below to see all of its prop bets.
