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The matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) and the New York Giants (2-8) is set to take place on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST, broadcasted on CBS. The Buccaneers are favored by 5.5 points according to betting odds from BetMGM. Historically, the Giants hold a lead in the series with a record of 16 wins to 9 losses, but the Buccaneers have been slightly better against the spread with a 6-4 record compared to the Giants’ 3-7.
The last time these two teams faced off was on November 22, 2021, when the Buccaneers secured a commanding 30-10 victory in Tampa. Last week, both teams enjoyed a bye. Prior to that, the Buccaneers narrowly lost to the 49ers by a score of 23-20 on November 10, while the Giants fell to the Panthers in overtime, finishing 20-17 in Germany.
When looking at the stats for the Buccaneers, their offense ranks 8th overall, with the rushing game at 10th, passing game also at 10th, and scoring at 5th. However, their defense has struggled significantly, ranking 30th overall, 16th against the run, and also 30th against the pass, with scoring defense at 27th. Conversely, the Giants’ offensive ranking is 24th overall, with a 14th place run game and 26th in passing, while their scoring places them last at 32nd. The Giants’ defense ranks better overall at 17th, though they are 29th against the run but 4th against the pass, indicating some strengths to build on.
Turnover differentials show Tampa Bay at even, while the Giants have a troubling minus-6. A key player to watch for the Buccaneers is wide receiver Mike Evans, who has returned to practice after missing three games due to a hamstring injury. His presence on the field is significant as the Buccaneers have struggled to create a deep passing game without him. Throughout his career against the Giants, Evans has tallied 38 receptions for 655 yards and seven touchdowns across six games.
On the Giants’ side, all eyes will be on quarterback Tommy DeVito, stepping in for the benched Daniel Jones. This will be his first start of the season and his initial outing since last year. Over nine career games, DeVito has completed 114 of 178 passes for 1,101 yards and nine touchdowns, alongside one rushing touchdown, while throwing three interceptions in the process. He holds an impressive 2-0 record in home games.
A crucial aspect of this matchup will be Tampa Bay’s running game against New York’s defense. The Giants have struggled to stop the run, allowing an average of 147.1 rushing yards per game, making them the 29th ranked team in this area. Tampa’s rookie running back Bucky Irving has emerged as a strong performer, currently the second-leading rookie rusher in the league with 492 yards. Additionally, Rachaad White has contributed significantly, registering 306 yards and assuming a key receiving role with 37 catches and four touchdowns.
For injuries, Tampa Bay hopes to see the return of CB Jamel Dean from injured reserve and is monitoring LT Tristan Wirfs’ knee sprain, which may impact his availability for this game. Meanwhile, the Giants anticipate the return of OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has been out since suffering a wrist fracture against Seattle in Week 5.
Historically, the Giants have had a home advantage, boasting an 8-2 record against the Buccaneers at home. However, Tampa Bay has won the last two contests between these teams. The 2007 Giants achieved a notable victory over the Buccaneers in a wild-card playoff game, going on to win their third Super Bowl title that season under former coach Tom Coughlin.
Notably, the Buccaneers have lost their last four games, which included defeats against the Chiefs and 49ers, allowing an alarming average of 31.3 points and 425.3 yards per game in that stretch. With key receivers Evans and Godwin sidelined, tight end Cade Otton has stepped up as a critical target for quarterback Baker Mayfield, recording 30 catches for 293 yards and three touchdowns in the past four weeks. Evans currently ranks fourth in the league for receiving touchdowns with six.
For fantasy football enthusiasts, Mayfield is on the verge of throwing his 25th touchdown pass for the fourth time in his career. He has recorded 28 touchdowns and only seven interceptions over 13 road starts since the previous season, leading the league in road touchdown passes during that stretch. Notably, in two past starts against the Giants, he accumulated three touchdowns without any interceptions.
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