Buccaneers (2-1) at Patriots (1-2)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
TV: NBC
Tipico Sportsbook line: Buccaneers by 6 ⁄2
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Buccaneers’ keys to victory: QB Tom Brady knows Bill Belichick’s defenses as well as anyone, with years of practice against his former coach’s schemes. Surely, Brady will draw upon those years of experience in New England, which should help him beat a talented Patriots’ secondary that has a track record of generating turnovers. The Bucs’ defense should hone in on RB Damien Harris, the offensive focal point for the Patriots. They like to use him to take pressure off rookie QB Mac Jones.
Patriots’ keys to victory: Brady may know Belichick, but Belichick arguably built Brady. So it will be fascinating to see what the coach has prepared to stump his former pupil. Belichick’s ability to create problems might help his defense close the talent gap against a supremely talented group of Bucs skill players. New England’s offense will need Jones and Harris to take care of the football. Even one turnover could kill the Patriots’ chances. New England will want to establish the run, so it’ll have to figure out how to block LBs Lavonte David and Devin White, a pair of freakishly skilled sideline-to-sideline defenders.
Matchup to watch: Buccaneers’ Brady vs. Patriots’ Belichick. They worked together for 20 years and won six Super Bowls. Their time apart will help further establish their legacies yet this game matters a lot to both of them.
Who wins? The Bucs will build a quick lead, which will force Jones to take more risks. He’s not ready for a shootout with Brady.
Buccaneers, 38-17