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Seahawks at Buccaneers: Game preview, odds, prediction

By John Buhler

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) points against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Chicago Bears 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) points against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Chicago Bears 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon. Here is a game preview, the betting odds, and a final score prediction.

On Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks (7-2-1) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5) collide. Kickoff from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa will be at 4:05 p.m. ET. and the game will be televised on FOX.

Seattle might be the best team in football at 7-2-1. The Seahawks lead the NFC West, have the No. 2 seed in the NFC, and only trail the 9-1 Dallas Cowboys by 1.5 games in the NFC standings. Seattle’s passing game is coming alive to complement its stellar defensive unit.

Tampa Bay comes in at .500 with a 5-5 record. The Buccaneers have played very well of late, with a huge road win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11. This is a prove-it game for the Buccaneers. They are only one game back of the 6-4 Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South and 1.5 games back of the 6-3-1 Washington Redskins for the second NFC Wild Card spot. A win over Seattle makes the Buccaneers’ 2016 NFC Playoffs push a serious one.

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Odds

Point Spread: Tampa Bay +5.5
Moneylines: Seattle -245, Tampa Bay +210
Over/Under: 45

According to OddsShark.com, the Buccaneers will be getting 5.5 points at home from the visiting Seahawks. The associated moneylines are Seattle -245 and Tampa Bay +210. This game’s over/under comes in at a combined 45 points.

Here are the trends to know with regards to the Seahawks: 1.) Seattle is 6-1-1 straight up in its last eight games. 2.) The Seahawks are 8-3-1 straight up in their last 12 road games. 3.) They are 2-3-1 straight up in their last six road games. 4.) Seattle has gone under in six of its last nine road games.

Here are the trends to know about the Buccaneers: 1.) Tampa Bay is 4-2 straight up and against the spread in its last six games. 2.) The Buccaneers have gone over in four of its last five games. 3.) They are 1-6 against the spread and straight up in their last seven home games.

Prediction

In the last month plus, two of the hottest teams in the NFC have to be the Buccaneers and the Seahawks. Jameis Winston is growing as a pocket passer in year two of the Dirk Koetter Air Coryell. Russell Wilson is spreading the ball around marvelously in Darrell Bevell’s creative offensive scheme.

Offensively, one could argue that both teams cancel each other out. Neither club can lean on their shaky kickers, so it will come down to who has the better showing from their defense. That doesn’t bode well for the Buccaneers, as the Seahawks have the best in the NFL.

This game is close until the final few minutes when Seattle gains possession to take a touchdown lead to win the ball game to improve to 8-2-1. A loss to Seattle wouldn’t be bad for the Buccaneers, but 5-6 doesn’t help their NFC Playoff chances entering Week 13.

Pick: Seahawks 27, Buccaneers 21

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