Ravens vs. Buccaneers Prediction: Buccaneers Continue To Slide On Short Week

For the first time in over a month, we have a Thursday Night Football matchup that looks good on paper. Both teams are in first place in their respective divisions and look to keep it that way. While the records aren’t as great as what we thought they’d be at this point in the year, it’s Tom Brady vs. Lamar Jackson.

Will the Bucs be able to recover from back-to-back massive upsets, or will the Ravens still be riding high from their win over the Browns?

Ravens vs. Buccaneers Spread, Odds and Over/Under

Ravens vs. Buccaneers Odds, Spread and Total Movement in Week 8

The spread has remained the same throughout the week. However, the total has risen from 43.5 to 45.5. 

Ravens vs. Buccaneers Best Bet and Prediction

With the spread only at 1.5, I like the Ravens to cover in this one. Baltimore has its own issues that worries me, but I’m much more concerned about what Tampa Bay will look like in this game.

The Buccaneers cannot run block at all, which has in turn made them the worst rushing team in the league and one-dimensional. Tampa Bay is 32nd in rush play percentage, yards per carry, yards per game and rushing touchdowns per game. The Bucs put their entire offense on Tom Brady’s shoulders, and that’s not a great plan for a 45-year old quarterback. 

Baltimore, on the other hand, has one of the best rushing offenses in the league. It also is more efficient overall. The Ravens score more points, average more yards per play and are top five in touchdowns per game. As long as the Ravens can hold the ball towards the end of games, they can win this game easily. 

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.