Latest Picks and Betting Odds for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Check out our latest picks for the upcoming Buccaneers’ games:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2024 Team Stats

Below is a breakdown of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stats for the 2024 season:

https://sportstats.nypost.com/football/nfl/teamstatistics/15

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Updates

Check out the latest injury updates for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers here:

Brief History of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1976. Their early years were filled with struggles, as they famously went winless in their inaugural season (0-14) and endured a long stretch of losing seasons. However, by 1979, the Bucs experienced their first taste of success, winning the NFC Central division and advancing to the NFC Championship Game, where they fell short to the Los Angeles Rams. This marked the beginning of sporadic playoff appearances in the early 1980s, but the team soon entered a prolonged period of mediocrity, with 12 consecutive losing seasons from 1983 to 1994.

A turning point came in 1995 when Malcolm Glazer purchased the franchise, leading to major changes. The hiring of head coach Tony Dungy in 1996 introduced a new defensive identity, particularly the famed “Tampa 2” defense, led by stars like Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and John Lynch. The Bucs became playoff contenders again, and in 2002, under new head coach Jon Gruden, the team captured its first Super Bowl title, defeating the Oakland Raiders 48-21 in Super Bowl XXXVII. This victory was highlighted by a dominant defense that remains one of the most iconic in NFL history.

The Buccaneers would endure ups and downs in the years following their Super Bowl win, with inconsistent playoff appearances. In 2020, the franchise experienced a resurgence with the signing of legendary quarterback Tom Brady. Brady led the team to its second Super Bowl victory in 2020, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 in Super Bowl LV, held in Tampa Bay’s home stadium. This victory made the Bucs the first team to win a Super Bowl at home. With Brady’s retirement in 2023, the Buccaneers have entered a new phase, with quarterback Baker Mayfield leading the team into the 2024 season as they rebuild for the future.

Timeline of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Franchise

• 1974: The NFL awards an expansion franchise to Tampa, Florida.
• 1976: The Buccaneers play their inaugural season as part of the AFC West, finishing with a 0-14 record under head coach John McKay.
• 1977: The Buccaneers move to the NFC Central and win their first game in franchise history, finishing the season 2-12.
• 1979: The Bucs have their first winning season (10-6), winning the NFC Central division and making their first playoff appearance. They reach the NFC Championship Game but lose to the Los Angeles Rams.
• 1981: The Bucs win the NFC Central again but lose in the first round of the playoffs.
• 1982-1996: The Buccaneers suffer a long period of mediocrity, failing to make the playoffs during this span and having 12 consecutive losing seasons.
• 1995: Malcolm Glazer purchases the Buccaneers for $192 million, beginning a transformation of the franchise.
• 1996: Tony Dungy is hired as head coach, bringing defensive success to the team and starting the development of their famous “Tampa 2” defense.
• 1997: The Bucs break their playoff drought by finishing 10-6 and winning a playoff game before losing in the divisional round.
• 1999: The Buccaneers win the NFC Central again and advance to the NFC Championship Game, losing to the St. Louis Rams in a defensive battle.
• 2002: Jon Gruden is hired as head coach, and the Bucs move to the newly formed NFC South division.
• 2002: The Buccaneers win their first Super Bowl, defeating the Oakland Raiders 48-21 in Super Bowl XXXVII, powered by a dominant defense led by players like Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and John Lynch.
• 2007: The Bucs win the NFC South under head coach Jon Gruden but lose in the first round of the playoffs.
• 2008: Jon Gruden is fired after back-to-back late-season collapses, ending his tenure as the franchise’s all-time winningest coach at that time.
• 2015: The Buccaneers draft quarterback Jameis Winston with the No. 1 overall pick, hoping to rebuild around him.
• 2016: Dirk Koetter takes over as head coach; the Bucs finish 9-7 but miss the playoffs.
• 2019: Bruce Arians is hired as head coach, signaling a new era for the franchise.
• 2020: The Buccaneers sign quarterback Tom Brady in free agency, creating instant Super Bowl aspirations.
• 2020: The Bucs make the playoffs for the first time since 2007 and win their second Super Bowl, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 in Super Bowl LV, becoming the first team to win a Super Bowl in their home stadium.
• 2021: The Buccaneers win the NFC South for the first time since 2007 and make it to the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
• 2022: Tom Brady retires briefly, returns for one more season, and leads the team to another NFC South title, but the Bucs are eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

Betting Trends for the 2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

For the 2024 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a transitional phase with Baker Mayfield as the starting quarterback and key players like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Vita Vea playing important roles. Based on early projections, there are several bet types that could prove profitable for bettors in 2024:

Unders in Total Points (Game Totals): Given the uncertainty around the Buccaneers’ offensive capabilities with Baker Mayfield at the helm, many projections suggest that Tampa Bay may continue to struggle with scoring, much like in 2023. Their defense, anchored by Vita Vea, remains a strong unit, which could keep games low-scoring. Betting on unders in games where the Bucs face strong defenses or when they themselves are likely to limit opponents could be profitable, especially in matchups against teams with average or below-average offenses.

Buccaneers Against the Spread (ATS) as Underdogs: In the 2024 season, Tampa Bay is expected to be underdogs in a significant number of matchups, especially against playoff-caliber teams. However, with Baker Mayfield showing flashes of competence in 2023 and the potential for veterans like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to have big games, the Bucs could be competitive in these underdog scenarios. Betting on the Buccaneers to cover the spread in games where they are receiving significant points could provide value, especially in divisional matchups or against mid-tier opponents.

First Half Unders: With a developing offense, the Buccaneers might struggle to score early in games, as Baker Mayfield gets comfortable with the playbook and his weapons. Tampa Bay’s defense, however, could keep games tight early on. Betting on first-half unders may be a profitable strategy, as the Bucs could take a more conservative approach, focusing on ball control and defense before opening up later in games. This was a trend that worked well in 2023 and could continue in 2024.

Mike Evans Receiving Yards: Even with uncertainty at quarterback, Mike Evans remains a dependable and elite wide receiver who has a proven track record of producing regardless of who’s throwing the ball. As long as Evans stays healthy, betting on his receiving yards prop bets—especially in favorable matchups against weaker secondaries—could provide value. He is known for his big-play ability and consistency, making him a strong candidate to hit the over on receiving yards in certain games, especially when Mayfield looks to his star target.

Rachaad White Anytime Touchdown Scorer: Rachaad White, the Bucs’ primary running back, is expected to play a significant role both in the running and passing game. As a versatile player, White will likely be featured heavily in red-zone situations, making him a good bet as an anytime touchdown scorer. With Mayfield likely relying on the short passing game and the running attack in certain game scripts, White is well-positioned to score both on the ground and through the air.

Team Totals Under: Given the questions surrounding the Buccaneers’ offense, betting on team total unders for Tampa Bay might be a profitable option. This bet focuses on the Buccaneers’ individual point total rather than the overall game, which allows you to take advantage of their offensive struggles without relying on the opposing team. When the Bucs face strong defenses or are in unfavorable matchups, team totals under could be a good choice.

Defensive/Special Teams Props: With a strong defensive line and playmakers like Vita Vea, the Buccaneers’ defense could force turnovers and create opportunities for defensive touchdowns or special teams scores. Betting on defensive/special teams props, such as the Bucs to score a touchdown on defense or special teams, may offer value in games where the offense struggles and the defense is leaned on to keep them competitive.

Successful Betting Trends for the Buccaneers in 2023

Based on the Buccaneers’ performance during the 2023 season, several betting trends emerged that proved profitable for those who followed them closely. Here are some key betting trends from the Bucs’ 2023 season that bettors found valuable:

Unders in Buccaneers Games: The Buccaneers often played in low-scoring games throughout the 2023 season, making the under a profitable bet. Tampa Bay’s defense, led by players like Vita Vea, kept games tight, and their offense, without the explosiveness of the Tom Brady era, struggled to put up big points consistently. This led to several games finishing below the posted totals. Bettors who identified the team’s challenges on offense and strong defensive showings regularly cashed in on under bets.

Against the Spread (ATS) Struggles: The Buccaneers had a difficult time covering the spread in 2023, especially in games where they were favored. Bettors who faded the Bucs (bet against them) when they were favorites found success. With inconsistent play from their offense and turnovers proving costly, Tampa Bay often failed to cover in matchups where they were expected to win or at least keep it close. This trend was especially noticeable when they played against teams with stronger defenses or high-powered offenses.

Backing the Bucs as Underdogs: While Tampa Bay struggled as favorites, they did prove to be a sneaky underdog pick in certain games. When given significant points by oddsmakers, especially against middle-tier or struggling teams, the Bucs occasionally managed to exceed expectations and cover the spread. Bettors who took the Bucs with plus points when the line was generous found value in those spots.

First Half Unders: Given the slow starts by the Buccaneers’ offense and their reliance on defense, first-half unders were another profitable trend. Tampa Bay often struggled to get into an offensive rhythm early in games, leading to low-scoring first halves. Bettors who wagered on first-half totals being lower than the line set by sportsbooks capitalized on this slow-paced approach.

Player Prop Bets – Mike Evans Touchdowns: One area where the Bucs showed consistent individual performance was with wide receiver Mike Evans in the red zone. Evans remained a primary target, especially in scoring situations. Despite overall team struggles, betting on Evans to score a touchdown during games—particularly in favorable matchups—was a profitable prop bet. He continued his streak of 1,000-yard seasons and maintained his role as the go-to guy in critical moments, especially in the end zone.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Schedule for 2024

Below is the schedule for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart

Below is a look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers current depth chart:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/tb/tampa-bay-buccaneers

Players to Focus on When Betting on the Buccaneers

When sportsbooks determine betting lines, they heavily factor in individual player performance, team statistics, and matchup dynamics. For the 2024 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have several key players whose performances will shape how betting lines such as point spreads, money lines, and over/under totals are set. 

Below, we highlight the most impactful Buccaneers players to watch and explain why they’re crucial when placing bets on Tampa Bay games this season.

Baker Mayfield – Quarterback

Baker Mayfield, the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback for the 2024 season, will be one of the most pivotal factors in betting lines. As the leader of the offense, Mayfield’s performance in passing yards, touchdowns, and turnovers will directly influence how sportsbooks set spreads and totals for Buccaneers games. 

A strong performance from Mayfield often leads to higher point totals and a better chance for Tampa Bay to cover the spread, especially in games where they are underdogs. Conversely, if he struggles against tougher defenses, the Bucs may see wider spreads and lower point expectations. Bettors should pay attention to his consistency and any signs of offensive rhythm when deciding on game outcomes and prop bets, like passing yards and touchdown totals.

Mike Evans – Wide Receiver

Mike Evans remains one of the premier deep threats in the NFL, and his impact on the Buccaneers’ offense is huge for both team success and betting purposes. Evans’ ability to stretch the field and make big plays means he is a focal point in player prop bets, particularly for total receiving yards and touchdown markets. His connection with Mayfield will be a key factor to watch, as Evans is the go-to target in critical situations. 

When Evans is playing well, it often leads to increased scoring, which can drive games toward hitting the over in total points. In close matchups, his presence also impacts the Bucs’ ability to cover spreads, especially when he draws favorable matchups against weaker defensive backs.

Chris Godwin – Wide Receiver

Chris Godwin provides a reliable target in the Buccaneers’ offense, excelling in the short to intermediate passing game. His role as a possession receiver makes him a critical factor for prop bets related to receptions and total yardage. Godwin’s ability to consistently move the chains helps sustain drives, which can impact both game totals and the Buccaneers’ ability to stay competitive in tight games. 

A strong showing from Godwin often results in increased scoring opportunities, which influences sportsbooks when setting over/under lines. Bettors should watch his target share in each game, as his involvement tends to signal a more balanced and productive offense for Tampa Bay.

Rachaad White – Running Back

As the starting running back for the Buccaneers in 2024, Rachaad White’s dual-threat ability as a runner and receiver makes him a key player to consider when betting on Tampa Bay games. His performance can influence how sportsbooks set prop bets like rushing yards, receiving yards, and touchdown totals. 

A strong rushing game from White also plays a critical role in keeping the Bucs competitive in low-scoring, grind-it-out games, which may lead to tighter spreads and lower game totals. White’s ability to contribute in both phases of the game also provides an additional layer of unpredictability, making him an important factor for player-specific betting markets.

Vita Vea – Defensive Tackle

On the defensive side, Vita Vea is one of the most impactful players for the Buccaneers, and his performance can heavily influence the betting lines for both spreads and total points. As a dominant interior presence, Vea’s ability to clog the middle and disrupt opposing offenses can lead to lower-scoring games and tighter spreads. 

When Vea is at his best, opposing teams often struggle to establish a running game, which can reduce their overall scoring potential. This can drive game totals toward the under, particularly in matchups against run-heavy teams. Additionally, Vea’s impact on Tampa Bay’s ability to control the line of scrimmage can lead to turnovers, which can swing both the momentum and the betting outcome in close contests.

Keep Up with the Latest on the Buccaneers

Keep up on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season and check out all our latest blog posts:

Profit from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers This Season

Betting on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2024 season presents numerous opportunities for sharp bettors to find value, whether it’s by exploiting their defensive strength, carefully selecting player props, or taking advantage of favorable spreads when they’re underdogs. By understanding key trends and player performances, you can stay ahead of the sportsbooks and consistently find profitable angles.

However, keeping up with these insights and making informed decisions every week can be time-consuming and challenging, especially with the unpredictability of the NFL season. That’s where our expert handicapping services come in. By signing up, you’ll receive in-depth analysis, game-by-game breakdowns, and personalized betting recommendations designed to help you become a more informed and successful bettor. Let us handle the research so you can focus on maximizing your returns. Join today and give yourself the edge you need this season!