The Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers play in different divisions in the NFC, but they’re both in similar situations heading into their Week 11 Monday Night Football matchup. Both teams are having solid seasons, but both teams find themselves overshadowed by a division rival.
It’s going to be an interesting showdown between Tom Brady, who finds himself in a new city this year, and Jared Goff, who hasn’t quite lived up to his contract yet. Brady currently has 2,739 yards, 23 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while Goff has 2,447 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
The Rams need Goff to start connecting with his teammates in the end zone. Cooper Kupp only has two touchdown receptions this season.
On the other hand, Tom Brady needs Ronald Jones to continue pounding the ball on the ground. It helps Brady set up his passing attack the way he wants to.
Can The Rams Win Their Second In a Row?
The Rams started the year off hot, winning four of their first five games. They weren’t all pretty wins, but they were able to find ways to win.
Since then, they’ve gone 2-2 and now own a 6-3 record in the NFC West. They’re competing with the Seahawks (7-3) and Cardinals (6-4) in the division.
The Rams average 24.0 points per game and 406 yards per game on offense. They lead a balanced attack, with 272 of those yards coming through the air and 134 of them coming on the ground. Their defense also plays well, allowing only 18.7 points per game and 318 yards per game.
Without Todd Gurley, the Rams’ offense still ranks in the top 10 in total rushing yards this season, led by Darrell Henderson Jr. with 486 yards and four touchdowns. Malcolm Brown also chips in with 347 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Their running attack is going to be key against the Buccaneers.
Another Monday Night win?
The Buccaneers started the season with a 34-23 loss to the Saints but quickly recovered by winning their next three games. After a 20-19 loss to the Bears, they went on another three-game winning streak. Most recently, they lost to the Saints for a second time before winning last week at Carolina.
The Buccaneers put up an impressive 29.6 points per game on offense, including 378 yards per game. They play complementary football, with a defense that only allows 22.6 points per game and 324 yards per game. They’ll need both sides of the ball to continue playing well on Monday night.
The Bucs are currently trailing the New Orleans Saints in the NFC South. With their win on Sunday, the Saints improved to 8-2 on the year.
If the Buccaneers can pull off a win on Monday, they’ll be a half-game behind New Orleans and in a good position for a Wild Card, if needed.
Betting Odds & Lines
Will the Buccaneers win their second Monday night game this year, or will the Rams spoil their party? FanDuel has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-106) as 4.5-point favorites over the Los Angeles Rams (-114). It also has the over/under listed at 48 total points.
Free Betting Pick
The Chiefs and Raiders gave us a good football game on Sunday night, and I think we’re going to get the same from the Rams and Buccaneers on Monday night. I expect both offenses to be productive early, but I think the second half will come down to who has the better defense.
The game is set to start at 8:15 pm ET inside Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Both teams are looking for their second win in a row, but only one team will get it.
Final Score Prediction 31-24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-4.5)