Giants (3-6) at Buccaneers (6-3)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
TV: ESPN
Tipico Sportsbook line: Buccaneers by 10 ⁄2
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Bucs’ keys to victory: In backto-back road losses, the common theme for Tampa Bay has been self-inflicted errors. The Bucs have been plagued by costly penalties as well as uncharacteristic turnovers from QB Tom Brady. Injuries have tested depth for the defending Super Bowl champs on both sides of the ball, but the potential return of WR Antonio Brown, TE Rob Gronkowski and CB Sean Murphy-Bunting would be a huge boost.
Giants’ keys to victory: New York has one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive fronts, and the key to stopping Brady has always been consistent pressure. Long, sustained drives will tire out Tampa Bay’s injury-riddled defense, a unit that might be without DT Vita Vea in addition to missing multiple cornerbacks. Getting an early lead and forcing the Bucs to abandon the running game early will be key, making Brady and the Bucs one-dimensional and keeping the Tampa Bay crowd out of the game.
Matchup to watch: Bucs WR Mike Evans vs. Giants CB James Bradberry. Evans and Bradberry had some epic battles when the latter was playing for the Panthers. Both players are big and athletic, priding themselves on a physical style.
Who wins? It’s hard to imagine the Bucs losing three straight, especially with a chance to rebound in front of their home crowd. Brady will be motivated to bounce back. Getting back key players from injury also should bolster Tampa Bay’s chances.
Bucs, 27-20