Los Angeles Rams vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11/6/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Charts

The 3-4 (1-2) Los Angeles Rams travel to Raymond James stadium to face off against the 3-5 (2-1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at 4:25pm ET in what may be the game of the week. A rematch of last year’s NFC playoff divisional round, both teams find themselves in ‘must-win’ territory after similarly disappointing starts. Let’s take a look at the odds, preview, prediction, injuries, key matchup, and depth charts to see who has the edge in this one. 

Los Angeles Rams vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Odds

The Tampa Bay Bucs are -3 point favorites to the +3 underdog LA Rams. On the money-line, the Bucs are -165 favorites to the Rams’ +145 figure. The over/under is set at 42.5. 

Rams vs Buccaneers Preview & Prediction

The LA Rams got off to a fiery start against their hated NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers before they crumbled in the second half. Their demise came from more than just an offensive masterclass by 49ers back Christian Mccaffrey – who recorded the first triple crown (1 rec. TD, 1 pass TD, 1 rush TD) since Ladanian Tomlinson’s in 2004 – though, as the Rams offense failed to muster anything notable in the second half. Despite throwing for 150 yards and a touchdown on 17 of 21 passes in the first half, Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford was held to just 37 passing yards for the rest of the game. With the 31-14 loss, the Rams moved to third place in their division. 

Down in Tampa, the Buccaneers are in trouble. In Brady’s (most likely) last season, the Tampa Bay front office has to be on DEFCON 2 right now, especially after losing star outside linebacker Shaquill Barrett to a torn achilles in last week’s game. Moreover, in their 27-22 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens, Tom Brady and the Bucs’ offense looked frustrated beyond belief as they failed to garner any type of momentum after leading 10-3 after the first. With 6 QB hits and 3 sacks, the Ravens’ pass-rush had its way with Tampa’s offensive line and they even made Brady look his actual age (47). Brady’s QBR of 27.1 was also one of the lowest ever-recorded by the proverbial G.O.A.T. and Tampa’s 3-5 record is Tom’s worst at this point in the season in his entire 23 seasons in the NFL.  

At the time of writing this article, the Buccaneers are oddly enough, 3-point favorites in this match-up. While I understand the respect that odds-makers have for Tom Brady and the relatively-loaded Buccaneers, this number feels bloated given the ineptitudes of Tampa’s offensive line and the disruptions it causes Brady’s connection to his receivers. Facing Aaron Donald and a stout Rams’ defense this week, Brady’s pocket disruptions are inevitably going to continue. While Stafford’s numbers have disappointed throughout the season, the Rams’ lack of a run game (32nd out of 32) has made head coach Sean Mcvay’s offense one-dimensional. With Baltimore rushing for 231 yards and with Shaquill Barrett now out for the season though, the Rams may finally be able to run the ball this week. If that happens, the Rams’ offense will be a step closer to emulating its Super Bowl winning form, spelling doom for Tampa Bay’s chances on Sunday. If the Rams are stopped on the ground, I would rather take their +3 number given their strong defensive presence amid the Bucs’ offensive stagnation over the last two weeks. 

Prediction: Rams 24 | Buccaneers 20

Los Angeles Rams vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Trends

• Rams are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a double-digit loss at home
• Buccaneers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.

Rams vs Buccaneers Key Injuries

LA Rams Injuries:
-WR C. Kupp (Q)

Tampa Bay Bucs Injuries:
-OLB S. Barrett (IR)
-DT A. Hicks (Doubtful)
-SS A. Winfield (O)
-WR R. Gage (O)

Key Matchup

Rams’ Rush Attack vs Tampa Bay Defensive Line

Averaging 99 rush yards per game last season, the LA Rams’ passing attack is now haunted by the team’s lackluster 72.3 rush yards per game this season. Struggling to contain the run last week on the heels of Barrett’s early exit, don’t count the Tampa Bay defense out entirely as the defensive line still boasts incredible talents in NT Vita Vea, DE William Gholston, and DE Akiem Hicks. With Hicks doubtful to return, the Rams have perhaps the best chance so far this season to get something going on the ground with Darrell Henderson. 

Los Angeles Rams Depth Chart

QB: Matt Stafford
RB1: Darrell Henderson
RB2: Malcolm Brown
LWR: Allen Robinson
RWR: Van Jefferson
SWR: Cooper Kupp
TE1: Tyler Higbee

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart

QB: Tom Brady
RB1: Leonard Fournette
RB2: Raachad White
LWR: Mike Evans
RWR: Mike Godwin
SWR: Russell Gage
TE1: Cameron Rate