Rams vs. Buccaneers Prediction and Odds for NFL Week 9: Tampa Bay Holds Significant Advantage
Before the season started, most of us looked ahead on the calendar and saw this Week 9 matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a potential NFC Championship preview.
Now, both of these teams are just fighting for their playoff lives. Both of them sport losing records, with the Rams at 3-4 and the Buccaneers at 3-5.
Which of the two will get back in the win column on Sunday? Let's take a look at the latest odds.
Rams vs. Buccaneers Odds, Spread, and Total
Rams vs. Buccaneers Betting Trends
- Rams are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games
- Rams are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games against Buccaneers
- Rams are 6-0 straight up in last six games in Tampa Bay
- Buccaneers are 0-6 ATS in their last six games
- Buccaneers are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games
- Buccaneers are 0-8 straight up in their last eight Week 9 games
Rams vs. Buccaneers Prediction and Pick
Between these two disappointing teams, I have less faith in the Rams to be able to get things back on track. Their offense is horrendous this season, ranking 31st in the NFL in yards per play, averaging only 4.8 yards per snap.
The Buccaneers outrank them in yards per play at 5.2 (24th in league) and they have a huge advantage on defense, ranking 7th in opponent yards per play compared to the Rams at 14th.
Unless Los Angeles gets a brand new offensive line, its season is doomed. The Rams rank 28th in QB sacked percentage, allowing Matt Stafford to be taken down on 8.45% of his drop backs. Now, they have to face a Tampa Bay pass rush that ranks third in QB sack percentage, getting a sack on 8.5% of their opponent drop backs.
Finally, nobody throws the ball more than these two teams. They rank first and second in pass play percentage. It's important to note that the Buccaneers rank fourth in opponent yards per pass attempt, and the Rams 25th, giving Tampa Bay a huge advantage.
I'll back the Bucs to win and cover at home.
You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.