The battle of the Bay’s takes place in Week 9 action as the Green Bay Packers travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers. The winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Green Bay Packers who look to rebound from last week’s loss to former QB Brett Favre.
Freeman to start a first game
The Buccaneers (0-7) lost to New England 7-35 at home in Week 7 and sat out last week with a bye. With nothing to lose after an 0-7 start, Tampa Bay is turning to its rookie first-round pick QB Josh Freeman . Freeman has had a bye week to get prepared, but it won't be easy making his first start against Green Bay's savvy secondary. Organization feels it can’t get much worse than 0-7 so now is as good a time as any to start grooming the player they hope will be their franchise signal caller.
Raheem Morris, the NFC’s youngest coach is having a dreadfull first year. His ability to keep his players motivated and eager to improve will be critical if Tampa Bay hopes to get a win in the season’s second half. The Buccaneers are 25th against the run and dead last versus the pass. They have 11 sacks in seven games, and only one player has more than 1.5 sacks. They are 1-6 ATS.
Forget about Brett
The Packers were swept by Brett in the season series. Fresh off an emotional loss to Favre's Vikings, the Packers cannot afford to have a letdown against the Bucs. They must regroup mentally and get ready to go against a team, that while struggling, is rested off a bye and desperate for its first victory. The Packers have major issues with their offensive line, but I don't think that's going to be prevalent here. Tampa Bay is just so inept defensively in every way possible. Ryan Grant should have a big game on the ground, setting up Aaron Rodgers with manageable passing situations.
The Packers defense has been solid, they are ranked fifth overall with a ninth ranked pass defense and rush defense. CB Charles Woodson leads the Packers with four interceptions. Packers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Betting prediction
It's hard to say how much of an emotional loss that Vikings game was for the Packers; it seemed like they were more nervous than anything. On the other hand, Bucs are too awful to beat the Packers defense, plus they’ll have a rookie QB at the helm. The Bucs have played four teams that currently have winning records (Eagles, Giants, Cowboys, Patriots). In those four contests, they've been outscored 126-42. Freeman will only make things worse.
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Our tip: Bet 7 on Packers to win -9.5 handicap against Tampa Bay
Odds 1.94 at
Bookmaker: PinnacleSports
