In an exciting NFC showdown, Philadelphia (2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS, 1-2 O/U) heads to sunny Florida to face off against Tampa Bay (2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS) this Sunday at 1 PM ET at Raymond James Stadium. The weather forecast predicts high temperatures in the 80s with a chance of rain, adding an unpredictable element to the game.
The last meeting between these two teams took place during the NFC wild-card round in January, where Tampa Bay claimed a decisive 32-9 victory on their home turf.
Eagles’ Offense Faces Challenges
Philadelphia managed a narrow 15-12 victory against New Orleans last week, despite being without star wide receiver A.J. Brown. The Eagles currently hold a 2-1 record, with their only loss coming from a close game against Atlanta (22-21) in Week 2. The Eagles saw their offense struggle until the fourth quarter, where they scored 15 points, and Reed Blankenship’s interception helped seal the win. Saquon Barkley had a standout performance with a 65-yard touchdown run, totaling 147 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 29 of 38 passes for 311 yards but also threw an interception. Tight end Dallas Goedert led the team with 10 catches for 170 yards, while DeVonta Smith contributed seven catches for 79 yards before sustaining a concussion that will keep him sidelined.
A.J. Brown has returned to limited practice and is listed as questionable, which could provide a much-needed boost for Hurts. Although Hurts has completed 70.6% of his passes for 772 yards and has added 143 yards on the ground, he has struggled with three passing touchdowns and four interceptions through three games.
Barkley, a significant free-agent acquisition from the New York Giants, leads the NFL with 351 rushing yards (5.6 yards per carry) and four touchdowns. With Smith ruled out, the Eagles will need another receiver to step up alongside Goedert, and former first-round pick Jahan Dotson may need to increase his production (three catches for 14 yards).
As a team, the Eagles average 23.3 points per game (12th), 167.3 rushing yards (3rd), and 244.3 passing yards (5th). However, their defense has allowed 339.3 yards per game (22nd), with 204.7 passing yards (17th) and 134.7 rushing yards (24th). A notable absence on defense is veteran corner Darius Slay, who is out with a knee injury.
Tampa Bay’s Offensive Struggles
Tampa Bay started the season strong, defeating Washington 37-20 and pulling off an upset against Detroit on the road, winning 20-16 as a 7.5-point favorite in Week 2. However, the team faced a disappointing defeat at home against Denver, losing 26-7 to a rookie quarterback, Bo Nix. Baker Mayfield struggled offensively, with the Bucs managing only 223 total yards. He completed 25 of 33 passes for 163 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Bucky Irving led the rushers with 70 yards, while Chris Godwin caught six passes for 53 yards and the Bucs’ only touchdown.
Head Coach Todd Bowles expressed his disappointment, stating, “They out-played us, they out-coached us, they out-hit us and they won the game. We didn’t play well; we’ve got to coach it better and we’ve got to play it better.”
Mayfield has faced significant pressure, being sacked seven times against the Broncos, and totaling 12 sacks over the last two games. In the wild card matchup against Philadelphia in January, he threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns but was sacked four times.
The Buccaneers currently average just 277 yards of total offense per game (25th) and continue to struggle with the running game, averaging only 91 rushing yards per game. On the defensive side, they allow 371.3 yards per game (28th) and 233.7 passing yards per game (24th).
Injuries have also plagued Tampa Bay, with several key players sidelined, including wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and safety Antoine Winfield (foot). Defensive lineman Vita Vea (knee), running back Bucky Irving (hamstring), and right tackle Luke Goedecke (concussion) are also uncertain for the game.
Best Bets for Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Considering the forecast of rain, the more physical Eagles team could have the upper hand. With a quarterback like Hurts, who is effective in the running game, and a powerful running back like Barkley, they may excel in these conditions. The Eagles’ defense has shown its strength by limiting a dynamic New Orleans offense in their last game. They have registered seven sacks over three games, and their defensive line is formidable against the run. The rainy conditions could complicate passing for Mayfield, so expect him to scramble more and potentially turn the ball over at least once.
