.jpg "Giants-at-Buccaneers-(FOX)")
The Bucs looked great in their season opener in Week 2 after Hurricane Irma delayed their start, but were blown out on Sunday by the Vikings. Tampa Bay is a hard team to figure out and this game might bring some more clarity.
Both of these clubs aspired to make the playoffs before the season began, but the Giants will already be in dire straits if they can’t manage a victory.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 4 game is set for Sunday, October 1, 2017, at 4:05 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
New York Giants +3
Tampa Bay Bay Buccaneers -3
Over/Under 44
Odds Analysis
The oddsmakers believe the talent level of these teams is even, and the Buccaneers get the standard three-point bump for playing at home. Despite the winless record and the underdog status, there is still belief in the Giants as more than 62 percent of the money is on them to cover this spread.
The scoring total is low because of New York’s issues offensively, but the “over” is the more popular choice, with more than 75 percent of the action tilted that way. The Buccaneers are -157 favorites while the Giants are listed at +137 on the moneyline. New York is getting more than 90 percent of the action on the moneyline, as many bettors are smelling an upset.
Injury Report
Olivier Vernon -- The Giants’ star defensive end is dealing with an ankle injury he suffered in Week 3 that forced him from the game. If he misses this game or is limited, it will be a big deal. Vernon has a pair of sacks in three games and is dominant both defending the run and getting after the quarterback.
Orleans Darkwa -- The Giants’ running game has been poor this season. Paul Perkins is the starter but Darkwa is making his case to get a bigger role. However, he is nursing a back injury and could be limited for this contest.
Gerald McCoy -- The Buccaneers’ star defensive tackle is trying to play through an ankle injury. He had only two tackles against the Vikings, and if he isn’t as explosive as normal, it could limit his effectiveness against a Giants offensive line that he would normally dominate.
Lavonte David -- Tampa Bay will be without its standout linebacker in this one. David has a high ankle sprain that is expected to keep him sidelined for about a month.
Players To Watch
Eli Manning and Jameis Winston -- This game will likely come down to the play of a pair of inconsistent quarterbacks. Manning is near the end of his playing career and has shown his age early on. He has thrown for 825 yards on the season but has four touchdowns and four interceptions.
Winston is in his physical prime but has yet to take the next step to star status. He has thrown for 532 yards on the year but has three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Both sides have a superstar wide receiver, as Manning will look for Odell Beckham, Jr. while Winston will target Mike Evans at every opportunity. The quarterback that gets the passing game going for their side will have a much better chance at winning this game.
Free ATS Pick
The prevailing feeling is that the Giants are going to finally break out of their funk, and they did show some signs of life last time out on the road against Philadelphia. However, the Buccaneers have enough talent on offense to score some points, and the Giants may have a tough time keeping up.
Even though most people are taking New York to either cover or win outright, the Buccaneers are the correct pick. The “over” is also the way to go on the scoring total as there could be a flurry late in the game.
NFL Odds: Buccaneers 27, Giants 23
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