Buccaneers vs. Broncos 2020 Prediction: Tampa Bay Will Beat Denver, Cover Spread
Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ready for their breakout game of the 2020 NFL season when they visit the Denver Broncos Sunday afternoon.
Tampa Bay is the biggest road favorite in Week 3. The betting line is six points, according to odds compiled by OddsShark. The over/under is 43.5.
After losing to the New Orleans Saints in the opener behind two Brady interceptions, Tampa Bay picked up its first victory with its new quarterback. The Bucs defeated the Carolina Panthers 31-17 in a relatively competitive game.
Brady has yet to perform like the player that was supposed to turn Tampa Bay into a contender. The six-time Super Bowl champion hasn’t posted a passer rating north of 80.3. Brady has the same number of touchdown passes as interceptions.
That changes Sunday against a Denver team that is ripe for the picking.
The Broncos have been competitive in their 0-2 start, losing by a combined seven points and covering the spread in both games. The Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers, who defeated Denver, are considered to be likely playoff teams.
But injuries have hit the Broncos at important positions to start the season, making it difficult for them to challenge the Bucs.
Jeff Driskel will start for the injured Drew Lock at quarterback, creating an even greater disparity between the signal callers that will be under center Sunday. Driskel completed 52.9% of his passes for 256 yards, two scores and an interception in Denver’s 26-21 loss to Pittsburgh. He made three starts for the Detroit Lions last season, going 0-3 with a 75.3 passer rating.
Cortland Sutton had three catches for 66 yards in Week 2, including a 45-yard reception from Driskel. Sutton is out for the season with a torn ACL.
The Broncos are 27th in yards per play. The Buccaneers are only 24th, though they are getting healthier.
Denver is only 16th in opponents’ yards per play with Von Miller and A.J. Bouye still out. Tampa Bay ranks ninth in yards per play allowed.
Chris Godwin is set to return for Tampa Bay after missing Week 2 while being in concussion protocol. Mike Evans will have a full week of practice under his belt after dealing with a hamstring injury.
Brady wasn’t able to develop chemistry with Godwin and Evans in the preseason. In Week 3, the quarterback might finally click with his top two receivers.
Prediction: Tampa Bay over Denver, 27-10
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