Buccaneers vs Eagles Odds - Expect major scoring from Philly in McNabb’s return
The Buccaneers vs Eagles odds are one of many lopsided NFL betting matchups this week. Fresh off a bye week, the Eagles are the healthiest they’ve been since Week 1. They host a struggling Bucs team still looking for its first win. Can Tampa overachieve and cover the big spread this week?
Buccaneers vs Eagles Odds: Eagles -14.5 (Total: 42.5)
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Buccaneers vs Eagles odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Eagles don’t want to be forgotten in the NFC contender picture after sitting out during their bye week. More importantly, Donovan McNabb doesn’t want to be forgotten; he insists that he’ll play this week and clearly wants to reaffirm his starting quarterback status after Kevin Kolb played surprisingly well in his absence. The Bucs’ storyline is simple: they want to win a game this season.
Buccaneers vs Eagles odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Eagles are loaded with explosive offensive weapons and few head coaches are better at maximizing players’ abilities than Andy Reid. He makes great use of DeSean Jackson, making him run deep routes, return kicks, run reverses, and do all the different things that capitalize on his blinding speed. Reid also keeps the Eagles passing, passing, and passing some more, as Donovan McNabb spreads the ball out to playmakers like Jackson, Brian Westbrook in the backfield and emerging tight end Brent Celek. The Bucs’ running game has been respectable with Cadillac Williams plus Derrick Ward returning, and the Eagles’ run defense hasn’t been great, but Josh Johnson isn’t the answer at quarterback. Philly’s aggressive pass rush, which has 10 sacks in just three games, will force him to act quickly and probably turn the ball over. Betting Edge: Eagles
Buccaneers vs Eagles odds maker breakdown: Defense
To reiterate, Philly’s “D” is all about blitzing, and Johnson is too inexperienced to burn the Eagles on the blitz. No one can pass on the Eagles; Tampa may have some success running on them, but Philly may stack the box against Ward and Williams knowing that Johnson’s ability to hurt them downfield is limited. The Bucs’ team personality has changed since defensive co-ordinator Monte Kiffin left town; suddenly, they’re Swiss cheese, especially against the run, and they rank last in the NFC in total defense. It’s frightening to imagine what Andy Reid’s scheme will do to them. Betting Edge: Eagles
Buccaneers vs Eagles odds for total: 42.5
The Eagles alone are good for 30-plus points at home off a bye week and have no problem playing in shootouts, so the Bucs may even toss a score or two on the board. Since there’s even potential for a defensive touchdown from the Eagles’ defense, there’s just too much scoring in the cards for this game to fall under the online sports betting total. Pick: Over 42.5
Buccaneers vs Eagles odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
McNabb and Westbrook are slated to play but it’s worth noting that they may not be 100 per cent. The Bucs have plenty of nicked up players but their key injury is to center Jeff Faine, who remains sidelined with a triceps injury. His absence will make it that much easier for the Eagles to rush Johnson. Betting Edge: Eagles
Buccaneers vs Eagles betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The 14.5-points spread is a lot to cover, but explosive teams like the Eagles are safer sportsbook bets to do so than smashmouth teams like the Vikings are. Don’t be surprised if they put an astronomical number on the scoreboard, as they seem to do so a few times every season. Pick Philadelphia. STAN’S PICK: Eagles -14.5
For full Buccaneers vs Eagles odds and more sports betting tips, keep reading the Betting Edge at betonline.com. Stan Simmons is one of betonline.com's NFL experts.
