Bucs don't look so hot, but neither do the Ravens
Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4) Line: Baltimore -1.5
Don't believe the rumours —
Tom Brady is actually having another Tom Brady-like season. Among NFL starting quarterbacks, he ranks sixth in passing yards (1,942), third in passing attempts (296), third in completions (198), tied for eighth (with Patrick Mahomes) in completion percentage (66.9) and ninth in passer rating (92.8).
While he has just eight touchdown passes, he's thrown only one interception, which is fewer than anyone who has pulled the trigger at least 55 times. At 45 years old, the GOAT is still very GOAT-ISH. But either his team suddenly sucks or his teammates want nothing more to do with him. Might it have something to do with Brady going to Robert Kraft's wedding rather than taking part in final preparations for what would become a 20-18 loss to the Steelers and, at the time, the biggest upset of the season? I say at the time because the Bucs out-stunk themselves a week later in a 21-3 loss to the Panthers, who in the days leading up to the game fired their coach and traded their best player.
Now Brady is in danger of losing three games in a row for the first time since 2002. It's difficult to like his chances at becoming the sole owner of the best record (in the Super Bowl era) of any QB playing on three days' rest (at 9-1, it's a mark he currently shares with Peyton Manning) or adding to his dominant numbers as a home underdog, which currently stand at 11-1 against the spread and 9-3 straight up.
The Ravens aren't so hot, either. Their defence is making a habit of giving up big plays. J.K. Dobbins, who would be a fine running back if he could stay healthy, is on the shelf again. Tight end Mark Andrews (knee) missed practice Tuesday and could be watching Thursday's game from a tub. And don't look now, but Lamar Jackson is having a horrible season. Good thing he can run, because he sure doesn't throw the ball very well.
Last week he completed just nine of 16 passes for 120 yards.
I've convinced myself that Brady and the Bucs will rally to retain first place in the pitiful NFC South against a team that is in much worse shape.
Taking: Tampa Bay +1.5
Score (O/U 45.0):
Buccaneers 24, Ravens 17