The Los Angeles Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers obliterated their respective opponents on the previous round, and now, they will have to face each other for the second time this season. Which team goes home? Which books a ticket to the next round? Check out our preview below of this Rams-Buccaneers Divisional Round showdown on Sunday.
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Betting Preview for the Los Angeles Rams vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFC Divisional Round Game on January 23, 2022
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
When: Sunday, January 23, 2022, 3:00 PM ET
Line: Los Angeles Rams (+3) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3) – view all 2022 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: NBC
Betting on the Los Angeles Rams (+3)
Regular Season Record: 12-5
The Rams made loud noises in the playoffs with an astounding 34-11 home win over the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Divisional round. Los Angeles, which has now won six of its last seven, games didn’t need a huge game from Matthew Stafford to beat Arizona, as the quarterback went just 13/17 for 202 passing yards, though he did toss for a couple of touchdowns. The Rams’ defense was unforgiving in that game, holding the Cardinals to only 0/9 on third downs. When they beat the Buccaneers at home back in Week 3, the Rams limited the Buccaneers to just 6/13 on third downs. And that was when Los Angeles still didn’t have Von Miller, who will be a major asset for the Rams’ defense that is sixth in the NFL in pass DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average). Brady could have a harder time this time in moving the chains for Tampa Bay, especially with the Rams all warmed up after a game already in the playoffs.
The Rams are 5-2 against the spread in their last 7 games overall.
Betting on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)
Regular Season Record: 13-4
It’s time for the playoffs again for the immortal Tom Brady. While his old team, the New England Patriots, has already been bounced out of the postseason, Brady and the Bucs are still standing after dismantling the Philadelphia Eagles at home in the NFC Divisional Round, 31-15. Tampa Bay has both a seat in the AFC Championship Game and revenge against the Rams in mind ahead of Sunday’s matchup. In the first meeting, Brady went 41/55 for 432 passing yards and a touchdown with zero interceptions. He has been able to sustain his top form throughout the season, garnering totals of 5,316 passing yards and 43 passing touchdowns – both no. 1 in the NFL – with only 12 interceptions. At home games this season, Brady has passed for 25 touchdowns and only four picks with a 106.6 passer rating. Defensively, the Bucs are ninth and 12th in total and weighted DVOA, respectively.
The Buccaneers are 7-1 against the spread in their last 8 games as a home favorite.
Writer’s Prediction
The Buccaneers win, 28-24.
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