Chargers vs. Buccaneers 2020: Prediction, Odds, Why Los Angeles Can Challenge Tom Brady, Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the biggest favorites on the Week 4 schedule for Sunday’s game against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers.

Tampa Bay is laying seven points against LA, according to betting odds compiled by OddsShark. The over/under is 42.5.

After losing in his Buccaneers’ debut against the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, Tom Brady has led Tampa Bay to consecutive victories over the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos. The Chargers beat the Cincinnati Bengals in the season opener with Tyrod Taylor at the helm and have since gone on a two-game losing streak with rookie Justin Herbert under center.

Defense has been the strength for both teams in the early stages of the 2020 NFL season.

Tampa Bay ranks second in opponents’ yards per play, fourth in total defense and eighth in points allowed. LA is in the top-11 in all three categories, coming in at fourth in scoring defense.

The Chargers haven’t surrendered more than 23 points in any game. Los Angeles held Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs to 20 points in regulation before losing to the Super Bowl champions in overtime.

Los Angeles has the best red-zone defense in the NFL, allowing a touchdown on just 22.2% of opportunities to opposing teams. Tampa Bay is tied for seventh.

Brady and the Bucs’ offense have yet to fully click. The 43-year-old quarterback has a 92.0 passer rating with three interceptions and no 300-yard games.

Receiver Chris Godwin and running back Leonard Fournette have both been ruled out for the Bucs this week.

The Bucs are actually four spots behind the Chargers in yards per play, ranking 24th overall. Los Angeles hasn’t scored more than 20 points in any game.

Herbert’s struggles against Tampa Bay’s defense could ultimately be the difference. The Bucs are tied for third with 12 sacks and face a shaky Los Angeles offensive line. Tampa Bay is also tied for second in the NFL with four interceptions.

Every Chargers game has been close and low-scoring so far. Sunday should be no different.

Prediction: Tampa Bay over Los Angeles, 23-17