Eagles vs. Bucs Pick: Wild Card Total Prediction

The NFC Wildcard Playoff matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers presents an intriguing betting opportunity. Here’s a breakdown of the key details and analysis:

• Date and Time: Monday, January 15th, 2024, at 8:15 PM (EST)
• Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
• TV Broadcast: ESPN

Betting Odds:

• Point Spread: Philadelphia -3/Tampa Bay +3
• Moneyline: Philadelphia -160/Tampa Bay +140
• Total: 44

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured the NFC South with a victory over the Carolina Panthers in their last game, albeit a low-scoring one. Despite quarterback Baker Mayfield’s ankle injury, they managed to win the division. Now, they face the Philadelphia Eagles in a wildcard matchup with hopes of an upset.

The Philadelphia Eagles, once the frontrunners in the NFC, have experienced a late-season collapse, losing five of their last six games, including upset losses to the Cardinals and Giants. As a result, they enter the playoffs as the No. 5 seed in the NFC and must prove their playoff mettle on the road against Tampa Bay.

Betting Analysis:

The Eagles are undoubtedly the more talented team in this matchup, but their recent struggles on both sides of the ball have raised concerns. Their defense has been porous in recent weeks, giving up significant points, while their offense has scored less than 20 points in four of their last six games. Injuries have also plagued the Eagles, with key players like DeVonta Smith, D’Andre Swift, and Jalen Hurts dealing with various ailments.

Tampa Bay, led by Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin, boasts a pass-heavy offense that can exploit the Eagles’ weak pass defense. If RB Rachaad White can contribute on the ground, it would further bolster the Buccaneers’ chances.

The two teams met earlier in the season, with Philadelphia securing a 25-11 victory. However, the Eagles’ recent struggles make this matchup less predictable, and their playoff hopes will depend on their performance.

Betting Trends:

• The Eagles are 1-5 SU in their last six games.
• The Eagles are 0-6 ATS in their last six games.
• The Eagles have hit the “under” in seven of their last eight road games.
• The Eagles are 2-6 ATS in their last eight January games.
• The Buccaneers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
• The Buccaneers are 5-1 SU in their last six games.
• The Buccaneers have hit the “under” in 12 of their last 18 games.
• The Buccaneers are 4-1 SU in their last five games against Philadelphia.

Betting Prediction:

While Tampa Bay could potentially upset the Eagles if Philadelphia’s struggles continue, it’s challenging to bet against the more talented team in a playoff setting. The focus should be on the offensive matchups, and despite recent low-scoring games, the total of 44 points seems lower than it should be. Considering the offensive capabilities of both teams, the “over” appears to be a confident play in this matchup.

Jay’s Pick:

Take the over 44