Courtesy of Realbookies.com
Two of the most heralded quarterbacks in the NFL go head-to-head for just the third time ever Sunday as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) host the Green Bay Packers (4-0). Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers have only started against each other twice, with the Packers winning in 2014 and Brady’s Patriots winning in 2018.
The Sunday game kicks off at 4:20 p.m. ET from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., and will be televised regionally by FOX.
The former NFC Central rivals have played 55 times since 1976, with the Packers leading the series 33-21-1. Since the divisions changed in 2002, they have met eight times, with both teams winning four. The Packers have won three in a row, including a 20-3 win in Florida in 2014.
Green Bay Packers Betting Outlook: Aggressive Offense
So far this season, if you bet with www.PayPerHead247.com the Packers are 4-0 ATS, and the under is 3-1 in their games. The Packers offense leads the NFL in scoring (38 points per game), ranks second in total yards (445.5 yards per game), third in passing (294.8 yards per game), fifth in rushing (150.8 yards per game) and they have no turnovers.
The defense ranks 17th in points allowed (25.3 points per game), eighth against the run (105.8 yards per game), 19th against the pass (247.5 yards per game) and 12th in total yards allowed (353.3 yards per game).
The Packers had their bye week in Week 5 after starting 4-0, and they sit atop the NFC North by a half-game. A rejuvenated Rodgers has his name in the early MVP talk. The 36-year-old has completed 71% of his passes for 1,214 yards with 13 touchdowns, and he is the only starting QB in the league without an interception in 2020.
Running back Aaron Jones has 374 yards on 65 carries plus 15 receptions for 135 yards. Overall, he has six touchdowns, including four on the ground. Running back Jamal Williams has 108 yards on 29 carries plus 13 catches for 199 yards.
Wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) has missed the last two games and expects to return Sunday. In the two games he’s played, he’s caught 17 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns.
Wide receiver Allan Lazard (core) is out, but tight end Bob Tonyan had three touchdowns in the last Packers win and has five on the season with 173 yards on 14 catches.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Outlook: Brady Bounce Back
In betting at www.PayPerHead247.com, the Bucs are 2-3 ATS and the over is 3-2 in their five games. The offense ranks 19th in total yards (365.0 yards per game), 12th in passing (265.6 yards per game), 25th in rushing (99.4 yards per game) and 11th in scoring (27.8 points per game).
The defense leads the NFL in run defense (58.4 yards per game), ranks 16th against the pass (239.8 yards per game), second in total yards allowed (298.2 yards per game) and eighth in scoring defense (22.4 points per game).
Tampa Bay’s offense faltered down the stretch on Thursday with no touchdowns in the second half of a 20-19 loss at Chicago. Brady was 25-for-41 for 253 yards with one touchdown, and he was sacked three times and took multiple hits. The 43-year-old has completed 64% of his passes for 1,375 yards with 12 touchdowns and four interceptions.
Running back Ronald Jones II was a bright spot with 17 carries for 106 yards, while running back Leonard Fournette was healthy but didn’t log a carry. Jones has 359 yards on 74 carries this season with one touchdown, while Fournette has 123 yards on 24 carries with two touchdowns.
Wide receiver Mike Evans had the Bucs’ lone touchdown among his five catches for 41 yards, while wide receiver Tyler Johnson had 61 yards on four catches. Evans leads the Bucs with 22 catches, 271 yards and six touchdowns this season, while wide receiver Scotty Miller has 250 yards on 15 catches.
Tampa Bay has 17 sacks in four games, led by defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul’s four. Cornerback Carlton Davis has three of the Bucs’ six interceptions, and the unit has forced three fumbles.
Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Lines
Head to our favorite pay per head bookie site at www.PayPerHead247.com , where the Packers are favored by 1.5 points. The total is set at 54, and the Buccaneers are a +110 home underdog on the moneyline.
The Packers have covered all four games this season, are well-rested coming off a bye and should get Adams back to an already potent offense.
Tampa Bay showed weakness along the offensive line Thursday night, but a few extra practice days should help Bruce Arians scheme against a Packers defense that gives up big plays. Look for the future Hall of Fame quarterbacks to get things going early and often in this one.
Realbookies.com Free Pick: Over 54 points (-105)
