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San Diego Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 15 NFL Odds

Written by Jimmy Boyd

bolts-bucs

Following an appearance in last season’s AFC title game, the San Diego Chargers were considered among the favorites to make a Super Bowl run this season. But at 6-8, San Diego is a loss, or a Denver win, away from being eliminated from the postseason. NFL odds makers have listed the Chargers as 3-point underdogs with the total set at 42.5.

While San Diego has put together consecutive wins for just the second time this season, victories over Oakland and Kansas City and hardly impressive. Now, the Chargers will try to beat a Bucs team which has not lost at home all season and is in a must-win spot following back-to-back losses to division rivals Carolina and Atlanta.

The Bolts have not looked strong on the road this season where they are just 2-5. Most of its road problems have stemmed from an attrocious pass defense away from home, which is allowing opposing QB’s to complete a ridiculous 72.4 percent of their passes for a 268 ypg average. The Chargers will be hoisting it up in return as the running game has not done much of anything on the road, gaining only 85 ypg. Plus, it faces a Tampa Bay run defense which is allowing just 70 rushing ypg at home this season. Phillip Rivers has been one of the best QB’s in football this season with 3,515 yards and 28 touchdowns. He was sensational down the stretch against Kansas City last week as he led the Chargers to a come from behind win to keep their playoff hopes alive. He threw for two touchdowns and did it behind a mix-and-match offensive line. He finished 34-of-48 for 346 yards. If you think the Bolts will be up to the challenge in this do-or-die game, bet the Chargers at +3 at Bookmaker and receive a 20 percent cash sign up bonus.

Tampa Bay knows they need this game, but NFL odds makers have chalked it up to be anything but a walk in the park. If they are to win, we will have to see the Bucs do a better job of stopping the run. They allowed 299 and 175 yards on the ground in each of their last two games. Both of those games were on the road and the Bucs have been a different team in Tampa. Tampa Bay is 6-0 at home this season and 4-2 against the number in those games. The Bucs defense is holding opponents to just 12.7 ypg at home this season. It may take more than defense to win this one, however, as Tampa Bay was held to just 10 points in last week’s overtime loss to the Falcons.

QB Jeff Garcia was not able to play last week due to a right leg injury and was expected to test the leg Wednesday to see if he would be able to go this Sunday. If he isn’t able to go, Brian Griese will likely get thrust into action again. Griese was not prepared to start against the Falcons. He barely took any reps during the week and had been inactive for two months with tendonitis in his right elbow, but he still gave the Bucs an excellent chance to win. Whoever is playing QB will look to get the football to Antonio Bryant, who has been on a tear. Bryant had eight catches for 108 yards and a touchdown. If you think Tampa Bay will win this game at home and cover the number, bet the Buccaneers at -3 at Bookmaker.

Do your NFL betting on Jimmy’s NFL picks this week and get guaranteed results!

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