It’s crowded at the top of the NFC standings, making this a crucial game for Tampa Bay.  The Bucs have already clinched the NFC South, but they sit tied with the Cowboys and Rams in the standings.  All three teams are trailing the Packers by a game.  The Jets have been out of the playoffs for a while, although they are coming off a rare win, taking out Jacksonville 26-21 at home last week.

Tampa Bay is a 13.5-point favourite to win on the NFL odds, with a total of 46.0.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

The Buccaneers and Jets haven’t met since a 15-10 home win for Tampa Bay in 2017, but of course that was back before the Tom Brady-era in Tampa.  Even with a large spread that continues to rise, almost 80 per cent of Sports Interaction bettors are riding with the Bucs for this one, while about 65 per cent of action is taking the Under.

Tampa has been dominant on the road since Brady’s arrival last season, winning 13 of their last 16 games outside of Florida.  They’re 8-7 against the spread this year and have covered in five of their last six games.  This could be a low scoring game, as the total has gone Under in five of the Buccaneers’ last seven games.

For whatever undetermined reason, the Jets have thrived at home against Tampa Bay, winning their last seven against the Bucs in New York.  They’ve been a rough cover option this year, going 5-10 ATS and failing to cover in four of their last five games.  The total has gone Over in nine of New York’s last 12 games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Antonio Brown made the most of his return in last week’s win over Carolina.  With Leonard Fournette and Chris Godwin done for the season and Mike Evans out last week, Brown was the No. 1 receiving target for Tampa.  Brown, who hadn’t played since Oct. 13 due to injury and suspension, caught 10 passes for 101 yards against the Panthers.  Brady threw for 232 yards and a touchdown.  Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Ronald Jones II split time to fill in for Fournette, combining for 135 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Tampa’s defence also came up big last week, holding Carolina to two field goals and recording seven sacks.  Linebacker Shaquil Barrett left early with a knee injury and is expected to be out until at least the playoffs.  There’s been no word on Evans’ availability, although he has practiced this week.

New York Jets

It took a historic run-game from rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, but the Jets squeaked out their fourth win of the year last week against Jacksonville.  Wilson set two franchise records for quarterbacks, rushing for 91 yards in the game, including a 52-yard TD run.  The 52-yard run was the third-longest TD run by a rookie quarterback in NFL history.  He added 102 passing yards and another TD in the air.  Running back Michael Carter had his best game of the season, finishing with a season-high 118 rushing yards.

Centre Connor McGovern and tight end Trevon Wesco both left last week’s game with knee injuries.  Wesco’s status is up in the air, while McGovern has been ruled out for the year.  Top receiver Elijah Moore could make his return from a quad injury that has kept him out of the last three games.  The rookie has 538 yards and five TDs on the season.

NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Buccaneers vs. Jets?