NFL football betting - Chargers vs Buccaneers odds
Online betting: Chargers can stay alive with win
- WHO: San Diego Chargers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- WHAT: NFL football betting
- WHEN: Sunday, December 21 at 4:15 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida
- KEY STATS: Chargers are 0-3 straight up and against the spread against AFC West opponents this season; Buccaneers are 6-0 at home this season
- PICK: Chargers
Chargers vs Buccaneers picks will have to wait until later in the week at least until online sports betting handicappers know for sure whether Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia is starting or not.
Garcia missed the team’s previous contest in Atlanta last week and the Buccaneers ended up losing in overtime to the Falcons, disappointing NFL betting fans who went with Tampa.
Those who bet online know the Buccaneers – as well as the entire NFC South division – are extremely tough to beat at home. NFC South teams at home are now 26-2 this year and included in that number is the Bucs’ perfect 6-0 mark.
They’ll put it on the line in their Chargers vs Buccaneers matchup this week.
The Chargers appeared to be dead in the water two weeks ago as they were merely 4-8 with no apparent chance to make the postseason. They also looked dead in the water last weekend at Arrowhead Stadium as the Kansas City Chiefs held a 21-3 third-quarter lead. But the Chargers have somehow survived and now have a glimmer of hope to make the playoffs.
At 6-8, if the Chargers win their final two games and the Denver Broncos lose their remaining two games, the Chargers will qualify for the postseason. The good news for the Chargers, and for NFL betting fans hoping for a thrilling end to the season, is that they host the Broncos in Week 17, which means they really only need to make up one other game.
That other game has to come this weekend and they have to do their part in their Chargers vs Buccaneers matchup. Meanwhile, the Broncos host the Buffalo Bills this weekend.
The Chargers are a tough team to figure out for fans and sportsbooks alike. They’ve underachieved all season long but have now won two straight games, which may give them the confidence they need to head into Tampa Bay and win.
No road team has won at Raymond James Stadium this season but the Chargers might be well-equipped to be the first team to pull off the feat and beat the Chargers vs Buccaneers odds.
Online betting handicappers should be aware that the Bucs have several key injuries. The aforementioned injury to Garcia is the major one as Garcia is dealing with a calf injury. Even if he can play through the pain, a calf injury might limit his mobility and affect his accuracy.
On the other side of the ball, that stout Bucs defense online betting sharps have become accustomed to seeing has shown some chinks in the armor in the previous two weeks. The Bucs defense has given up 474 rushing yards in the last two weeks and now will be without safety Jermaine Phillips and, potentially, stalwart linebacker Derrick Brooks.
The Bucs need this game just as much as the Chargers do. The Bucs can qualify for the playoffs by winning their two remaining games against the Chargers and the Raiders. Those who bet online know that if the Bucs lose, it will open the door for the Philadelphia Eagles to qualify postseason; more importantly, from Tampa Bay’s standpoint, it won’t control its own destiny any longer.
Even so, look for the Chargers to ride the momentum of their win and capitalize on the Buccaneers injuries to get the victory.
STAN'S PICK: bet the Chargers to keep their playoffs hopes alive with a road win in Tampa Bay.
For more Chargers vs Buccaneers betting and NFL Week 16 picks, visit the BetOnline.com sports book.
Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
