NFL Free Pick: SD/TB
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the midst of a three game losing streak, but they’ll host a San Diego Chargers team this Sunday that has been incredibly inconsistent.
Our team of writers and handicappers break down the matchup and hand out a Free NFL Pick for Week 16.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Buccaneers –3.5 point spread favorite. The over/under for this game has been set at 42.5 total points.
Key Trend: The Bucs are just 1-5 against the spread in their last six games when playing San Diego, while the total has gone over in five of Tampa’s last five games when playing the Chargers.
Key Stat: Tampa has allowed over 450 combined rushing yards the last two weeks in losses to Carolina and Atlanta. They’re now allowing 115.6 rushing yards a game this season.
Game Outlook: The Buccaneers have looked like a completely different team over the past two weeks. Or more specifically, the Buccaneers have looked like a completely different defense. Tampa has been shredded for over 450 rushing yards the past two weeks in losses to division rivals Carolina and Atlanta. Injuries along the defensive line have ransacked an otherwise fantastic front seven and if the Chargers can open holes for LaDainain Tomlinson and Darren Sproles, the Bucs will once again be defeated on the ground. Another issue the Bucs currently face is at quarterback, where it is uncertain at this point whether or not Jeff Garcia will play due to an injured calf. He missed the game last week in Atlanta and while backup Brian Griese played well, his immobility killed the Bucs at times, especially in overtime when he took a costly sack because he couldn’t evade the rush. San Diego is still fighting for its playoff life, but the Chargers are in trouble. We don’t think they have enough to top Tampa at home, but they’ll keep it within a field goal. Hopefully the line stays at 3.5 or 4 and you can cash in on an underdog cover. For the rest of our Free NFL Pick, see below.
Our Free NFL Pick for the Week 16 matchup between the San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers game is
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS +3.5
TheSpread.com Projected Final Score
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23
San Diego Chargers 20
We also predict that this game will GO OVER THE TOTAL (42.5 Sports Interaction.com) SET BY ODDSMAKERS
Posted: 12/22/08 9:30AM ET