Baltimore’s 25-game preseason winning streak was stopped by Washington last week. The winning streak was fun, adding some sizzle to the Monday Night Football preseason telecast. They’ll look to rebound this week.
The Buccaneers enter the contest on the heels of a 13-6 win against the Jets after a 17-27 loss to the Steelers in their first preseason game this year. Tampa Bay will attempt to enter the season with some momentum and cohesion by playing their starting offense this week.
Ravens vs Buccaneers Odds
NFL odds used for this Baltimore vs Tampa Bay preview were found at Caesars Sportsbook and are current as of August 24 at 1:30 am ET.
- Moneyline: Buccaneers (-130) • Ravens (+110)
- Spread: Buccaneers -1 (-115) • Ravens +1 (+110)
- Total Points: Over 36.5 (-110) • Under 36.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Buccaneers 18.75, Ravens 17.75
Ravens vs Buccaneers Predictions
Score Pick: Buccaneers 20, Ravens 17
The Ravens have played two hotly contested preseason games this year, each decided by precisely one point. Baltimore failed to cover the spread in either game, and both exceeded the betting total.
The Buccaneers lost by 10 and won by seven points in their two preseason games, failing to cover the spread in the first game and covering in the second. The first was over the total, and the second was under.
While the Ravens and Bucs have split their preseason games this year, Tampa Bay has earned significantly better grades from Pro Football Focus (PFF) than Baltimore.
The Bucs have earned PFF’s fourth-highest overall grade, second-highest passing grade, and highest defense grade. Comparatively, the Ravens have PFF’s 12th-highest overall grade and are 18th in passing grade and 28th in defense.
Ravens vs Buccaneers Best Bets & Props
Buccaneers by 1-13 Points (+155)
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.25 units
Todd Bowles said recently-anointed starting quarterback Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay’s first offensive unit will start the preseason finale. John Harbaugh is playing it closer to the vest, only saying that Lamar Jackson wants to play in the preseason finale.
Jackson hasn’t played in a preseason game since playing only 10 snaps in Baltimore’s third preseason game in 2021. And he didn’t play any other preseason contests that year.
Because Bowles has clearly stated the starting offense will play, and the Bucs have earned higher PFF grades than the Ravens this preseason, I’m declaring this the NFL bet of the day.
Buccaneers -1.5 (-110)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: .25 units
Even if Mayfield’s time on the field is limited on Saturday night, Kyle Trask can capably lead the Buccaneers in relief. Trask was competing for Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback gig during the offseason.
He didn’t so much lose the job as Mayfield won it. Mayfield completed eight of nine pass attempts for 63 yards and a touchdown, and Trask completed 26 of 38 attempts for 317 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Over 36.5 (-110)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.25 units
The Ravens went over the total in both preseason games this year, and the Bucs split, going over once and under once. Combining their cumulative points for and against yields an average of 39.75 points per game this preseason.
And, while I gushed about Tampa Bay’s combo of Mayfield and Trask, John Wolford was also solid and returned to practice this week after getting transported to the hospital for a neck injury last week. Jackson could guide the Ravens to a score if he plays a drive, and Tyler Huntley and Josh Johnson have performed well for Baltimore in their preseason action this year.
Although, Huntley was out in the second game and hasn’t practiced this week. Anthony Brown is also a boon for the over, throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions on 18 pass attempts. Brown can also move the ball with his legs, scampering for 52 yards on four attempts.
Ravens vs Buccaneers Same Game Parlay
Ravens vs Buccaneers SGP (+264)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.25 units
- Buccaneers -1.5 (-110)
- Over 36.5 (-110)
Get a boost to the ATS odds for the Buccaneers to cover the 1.5-points spread by hooking it with the game going over 36.5 points at -110 odds.
