Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Las Vegas Raiders Picks and Predictions December 8th 2024

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Las Vegas Raiders December 8th 2024

The over/under line is sitting at 45 points as the Raiders and Buccaneers face off in a week 14 non-conference matchup. The game, set for 1:00 ET on Sunday, December 8th at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, will be televised on CBS. The Buccaneers are the heavy favorite with a money line of -332, and they are favored by -7 on the point spread.

Las Vegas vs. Tampa Bay Key Information

Teams: Raiders at Buccaneers
Where: Raymond James Stadium Tampa Bay
Date: Sunday, December 8th
Betting Odds TB -332 | LV +264 O/U 45

The Raiders Can Win If…

Heading into week 14, the Raiders are looking to snap an eight-game losing streak, which includes a 19-17 loss to the Chiefs in week 13. Las Vegas was a 13.5-point underdog in that game, but they managed to cover the spread. This puts their ATS record at 5-7, with all five of their covers coming as underdogs. Their O/U record stands at 8-4, with an average of 46.3 points being scored in their games.

With a 2-10 record, the Raiders are 27th in our power rankings and have a 0.0% chance of making the playoffs. They are 0-5 in division games and 2-8 in the AFC. Las Vegas is 1-4 at home and 1-6 on the road this season.

Heading into week 14, the Raiders rank 32nd in our offensive power rankings. They are 26th in the NFL in points per game (18.6) and 25th in yards per game (304.4). Despite being 3rd in passing attempts per game, they are 14th in passing yards, averaging 226.3 per game. On the ground, they rank 32nd in rushing yards, with 78.1 per game, on 21.3 attempts (29th). Las Vegas is 25th in the league in 3rd-down conversion rate (34.6%) but ranks 3rd in red zone conversion percentage.

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Aidan O’Connell threw for 340 yards and 2 touchdowns in week 13, completing 23 of 35 passes without an interception. Brock Bowers led the team with 10 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown, while Sincere McCormick rushed for 64 yards on 12 carries. The Raiders scored 7 points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters against the Chiefs but failed to convert their only red zone opportunity and went 3/12 on 3rd down.

In their 19-17 loss to the Chiefs, the Raiders’ defense allowed just 63 rushing yards on 16 attempts, but they gave up 266 passing yards. The Raiders’ defense recorded five sacks and limited the Chiefs to 3.9 yards per attempt on the ground. Despite this, the Chiefs still managed to come out on top.

The Raiders’ defense pressured the quarterback, winning the QB hit differential by +8. However, they struggled on third downs, allowing the Chiefs to convert 43.8% of their third down attempts. Las Vegas also allowed the Chiefs to complete 56.5% of their passes and score one passing touchdown.

Over their last three regular season games, the Raiders have gone 0-3 straight up. This includes going 1-2 vs. the spread along with an over-under mark of 2-1.
Across Las Vegas’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 1-9. Their record vs the spread sits at 4-6 in these matchups, while posting a 7-3 over-under mark.

The Buccaneers Can Win If…

After dropping four straight games, the Buccaneers have bounced back with two consecutive wins, including a 26-23 victory over the Panthers in week 13. This puts them at 6-6, which ranks 10th in our NFL power rankings and gives them a 56.4% chance of making the playoffs. They also have a 50.3% chance of winning the NFC South, where they currently sit in 2nd place with a 2-2 division record.

Tampa Bay is 7-5 against the spread this season, with an average scoring margin of +3.2 points per game. Their O/U record is 8-4, with their games averaging 52.6 points compared to an average line of 45.2.

Heading into week 14, the Buccaneers sit 8th in our offensive power rankings. They are 5th in the NFL in points per game (27.9) and 6th in passing yards per game (238.8), despite ranking 11th in passing attempts. On the ground, Tampa Bay ranks 15th in rushing attempts and 8th in rushing yards per game, averaging 137.2. They have also been strong on 3rd down, converting 47.6% of their attempts, which ranks 2nd in the league.

In week 13, Baker Mayfield threw for 235 yards, with 2 interceptions, and was sacked 4 times. Bucky Irving rushed for 152 yards on 25 carries, while Mike Evans led the team with 8 receptions for 118 yards. Tampa Bay scored 13 points in the 4th quarter against the Panthers, after being held scoreless in the 3rd quarter.

In their 26-23 overtime win over the Panthers, the Buccaneers’ defense allowed 289 passing yards on 26 completions. They held Carolina to 37.5% on third down and to 78 rushing yards on 21 attempts. The Panthers finished with 367 total yards.

Tampa Bay’s defense also limited Carolina to a 56.5% completion rate, and despite allowing one passing touchdown, they defended well overall, giving up just 6.3 yards per attempt. The Buccaneers recorded one sack and had a positive quarterback hit differential, but they did lose the tackles for loss battle.

Across Tampa Bay’s last three regular season games, their record sits at 0-3. In these matchups, they ended with an ATS record of 1-2 and an over-under mark of 2-1.
Tampa Bay has put together a record of 5-5 in their last ten games (regular season). This includes going 5-5 vs. the spread along with an over-under mark of 5-5.

The Lean

Our model has the Buccaneers winning this week 14 matchup by a score of 30-18, making them our pick to cover the spread. Even though the Raiders are the favorites, we have the Buccaneers covering as 7-point home favorites.

As for the over/under, with the line sitting at 45 points, we have a projected combined score of 48 points, making the over a good bet in this one.

Bucs Bid to Continue Win Streak in Encounter vs. Reeling Raiders

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will look to keep their playoff aspirations alive as they aim for a third straight win on Sunday, hosting the struggling Las Vegas Raiders.

Tampa Bay Riding Momentum

After a four-game skid, the Buccaneers (6-6) have regained their form, notching a decisive 30-7 victory over the New York Giants and a thrilling 26-23 overtime win against the Carolina Panthers. Those wins, combined with the Atlanta Falcons’ three-game losing streak, have left Tampa Bay tied with Atlanta atop the NFC South. However, the Falcons hold the tiebreaker, having swept the season series.

Baker Mayfield Leading the Charge

Quarterback Baker Mayfield has been a catalyst for the Buccaneers, ranking third in the NFL with 25 touchdown passes. Beyond the air attack, Tampa Bay’s rushing game has become a potent weapon, averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

Rookie Bucky Irving has emerged as a star, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his 152-yard rushing performance in Week 13. He’s been complemented by Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, while Mayfield adds mobility with 229 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

“He’s getting more comfortable with the offense,” Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said of Irving. “The more comfortable he gets, the more you can give him, the more he can do.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Las Vegas Raiders

Irving’s status for Sunday is worth monitoring as he deals with a hip/back injury. Key contributors Mike Evans (hamstring), Mike Edwards (hamstring), Tristan Wirfs (foot, knee), K.J. Britt (ankle), and Anthony Nelson (shoulder) also missed Wednesday’s practice.

Raiders’ Struggles Continue

The Raiders (2-10) have dropped eight straight games, with their latest heartbreak coming against the Kansas City Chiefs. A botched snap on a potential game-winning field goal attempt allowed the Chiefs to escape with a 19-17 victory.

Despite their record, rookie tight end Brock Bowers has been a revelation. With 84 catches, he is on the brink of surpassing Sam LaPorta for the most receptions by a rookie tight end in NFL history.

“This guy is different,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said. “When you’re getting double teamed and they know we’re going to throw him the ball … and he’s winning those matchups.”

Raiders’ Backfield in Flux

The Raiders’ running back situation remains uncertain. Alexander Mattison (ankle) was limited in practice, while Zamir White (quad) missed Wednesday’s session. The team signed Sincere McCormick from the practice squad to the active roster as insurance.

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Key Matchup

The Buccaneers’ dynamic rushing attack will face a Raiders defense looking to rebound. For Tampa Bay, consistency on the ground and capitalizing on Mayfield’s leadership will be essential to maintain their playoff push.

As for the Raiders, breaking their losing streak will hinge on protecting quarterback Aidan O’Connell and continuing to exploit Bowers’ elite playmaking ability.

High Stakes

With the NFC South still wide open, a win for Tampa Bay would bolster its playoff hopes and maintain momentum. For the Raiders, playing spoiler against a division leader could provide a much-needed morale boost.