Bengals vs Buccaneers Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
Passing the Torch
Following the Cincinnati Bengals’ Super Bowl run last season, quarterback Joe Burrow was drawing comparisons to the GOAT, Tom Brady, due to his play style and competitive fire. Burrow and the Bengals (9-4) will visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) in Week 15. This could be a passing of the torch, as 45-year-old Brady continues to approach the end of his career while Burrow has become one of the league’s best.
Heading into the matchup, Cincinnati has won and covered five consecutive games against the spread (ATS). Tampa Bay is 1-2 and 0-3 ATS over the last three games.
Let’s check the latest NFL odds, stats, injury reports, and NFL lines for the Bengals vs Buccaneers. We’ve plenty of Vegas NFL odds and NFL week 15 picks for you to consider.
Bengals vs Buccaneers NFL Betting Lines
Bengals Add Balance to Offense
The Cincinnati Bengals are on a five-game winning streak. Following the impressive stretch, the Bengals’ Super Bowl odds have dropped to +1000. Plus, Cincinnati has closed in on the Baltimore Ravens’ divisional lead and is now -105 to win the AFC North.
During the winning streak, Cincy is averaging 29.8 points and now ranks seventh in points per game. The run game has found success over the last two contests, totaling 4.8 yards per carry, compared to the season average of four. Clearly, this has been a dramatic difference and is providing the Bengals with more balance. Cincinnati’s offense is truly becoming unguardable, especially with the offensive line’s improvement. Burrow has entered the MVP conversation as the third choice to win the award (+800).
The Bengals will be looking to utilize the run game once more, especially with tight end Hayden Hurst (calf) and wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) questionable. Slot wideout Tyler Boyd (finger) is also expected to be out. The Buccaneers rank 23rd in allowed yards per carry and surrendered 209 rushing yards in their previous game.
Scoop on Free Play from the Locker Room
Brady and Bucs Fighting for the Playoffs
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have covered once ATS since Week 2. Their 3-9-1 record ATS is one of the worst in the league. Laying your money on Tampa Bay is near-impossible right now. The Bucs have not been reliable whatsoever and were demolished 35-7 by the San Francisco 49ers in Week 14.
Every remaining game is a must-win. The Carolina Panthers are one game behind the Buccaneers in the NFC South standings. Tampa Bay is still the favorite to win the division (-300) but Carolina is not far behind at +300. With the Panthers on a hot streak, the Bucs cannot afford to lose. Brady has not missed the playoffs since 2002.
So where does Tampa Bay need to improve? The Buccaneers must improve in the run game. The offense still ranks last in nearly every major rushing category. Plus, the defense has been unable to stop opposing rushing attacks. It could be more of the same this week as offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (ankle) and defensive tackle Vita Vea (calf) is doubtful.
Bengals vs Buccaneers Game Injuries
Bengals vs Buccaneers Head-to-Head
From 1995 to 2010, the Buccaneers won six consecutive games against the Bengals. Cincinnati has taken control of the matchup after winning the last two meetings. Tampa Bay has covered four consecutive games against the Bengals.
Most of these trends could be a non-factor, as Brady and Burrow have yet to face.
Bengals vs Buccaneers Game Information
- Game: Bengals vs Buccaneers
- Date/Time: Sunday, Dec. 18, 4:25 p.m. ET.
- Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
- Bengals vs Buccaneers Live stream: NFL Game Pass
Bengals vs Buccaneers Game Weather Conditions
The Bengals will be happy to get away from the cold Ohio weather, as Tampa will have a high of 65°F with low winds.
Bengals vs Buccaneers Picks & Prediction
Predicted Score: Bengals 24, Buccaneers 17
- Worth Betting on the Moneyline?
The Bengals winning outright is a safe bet. The Buccaneers are playing their worst football, while Cincinnati looks like a top-five team. However, with the Bengals priced at -195 on the Moneyline, go with ATS and totals for this matchup.
- Worth Betting ATS?
Simply looking at each team’s record ATS should be enough. The Buccaneers are 3-9-1 ATS and the Bengals are 10-3 ATS. Plus, Tampa Bay is 0-5-1 ATS in home games.
Here’s something I never thought I would say before the season started. Cincinnati’s offensive line will bully the Buccaneers’ defensive line in the run game. The Bucs will likely be without Vea, who has been the anchor of the run defense.
Tampa Bay’s secondary is still short-handed as safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (ankle), safety Mike Edwards (hamstring) and cornerback Jamel Dean (toe) are questionable. Burrow may lack targets but he still managed to total 239 yards last week with the same players out. The Bengals’ offense should have plenty of success.
- Worth Betting on the Totals?
The Buccaneers have gone under in 10 of 13 games. Also, the Bengals have gone under in three consecutive games. Cincinnati just shut down the Cleveland Browns’ top-five run game. Tampa Bay has the league’s worst rushing attack. Brady has looked out of sync while the Bengals are enjoying good cornerback play. The Bucs cannot score enough; take the under.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
