Buccaneers vs Titans Odds - Titans set to roll over young Bucs
Tennessee got off to a solid NFL betting start by beating Buffalo in the Hall of Fame Game, and they’re also favored in Saturday’s game against Tampa Bay, who are in rebuilding mode. While they’re still working out the bugs, the Titans will build some more momentum for the upcoming regular season.
Buccaneers vs Titans Odds: Titans -4
- WHAT: NFL preseason betting action
- WHEN: Saturday, August 15, 8:00 PM ET
- WHERE: LP Field
- PICK: Tennessee
Buccaneers vs Titans Odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Bucs have a whole slew of quarterbacks, led by rookie Josh Freeman and veteran Byron Leftwich, and even Luke McCown. The running backs are injury-prone except for former Giant Derrick Ward, while Antonio Bryant has a knee injury and probably won’t play on Saturday, which isn’t good for a receiving core that is already lacking in depth. The Titans fared well against the Bills, but even though Vince Young threw a touchdown, he still looked very shaky on his interception.
Betting Edge: Titans
Buccaneers vs Titans Odds maker breakdown: Defense
There’s no Monte Kiffin to call the plays and no Derrick Brooks to lead the defense, so it could be a long year in Tampa Bay. Barrett Ruud is growing into one of the game’s premier linebackers, but the rest of the group doesn’t look good. The Titans let Buffalo complete a lot of passes, but no big plays. This will be the MO of their season, especially with no Albert Haynesworth up front to disrupt things. Linebacker Stanford Keglar had six tackles against Buffalo and showed a good nose for the ball.
Betting Edge: Titans
Buccaneers vs Titans Odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
Kicker Matt Bryant may be Tampa Bay’s most important offensive weapon this season, but he’s questionable for this game with a hamstring injury. Clifton Smith is a very dangerous return man for the Bucs, and their sportsbook chances could hinge on Smith getting good field position. Chris Davis is the new return man for the Titans, and he averaged almost six yards per punt return against the Bills. Rob Bironas is an excellent kicker, hitting almost 88% of his field goals in 2008.
Betting Edge: Draw
Buccaneers vs Titans Odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Titans’ starting middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch is out with an undisclosed injury, but he probably wouldn’t play much anyway. The Bucs will be missing Antonio Bryant for sure, and he could miss the beginning of the regular season, which will definitely dent their sports betting odds.
Betting Edge: Tennessee
Buccaneers vs Titans betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Bucs are in a huge transition phase with new coach Raheem Morris and an entirely new defensive scheme, and as the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Also, the Titans already have a game under their belt, so it’ll be easier for them to get into “game day” mode while covering the 4-point spread. Also, Tampa Bay has never won in two trips to Tennessee, and another three games when the Titans were the Houston Oilers. Don’t plan on betting online with the Bucs much this year.
STAN’S PICK: Tennessee
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?
