One of the most highly anticipated matchups of the season is scheduled for Sunday Night at 8:20 EST in New England between the Patriots (1-2) and Buccaneers (2-1) as Tom Brady makes his return to take on Bill Belichick.
The Patriots will look to defeat the Bucs at home and even up their record. Tampa Bay will look to get back in the win column following their first loss of the season to the Rams. But this game has more to it than just a normal Week 4 matchup.
Brady vs Belichick
The media has created a rivalry between Brady and his former coach. The question is often asked about who deserves more credit for the Patriots’ success when the duo was together. Brady helped to quiet the questioning when he left New England and immediately won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers.
However, Sunday will give a chance for him to return to his former team and beat them in front of the Patriots faithful. Belichick is working with a young quarterback in Mac Jones, and defeating the Bucs will be a tall order. But one has to figure Belichick would love a victory against a quarterback who many say defined his legacy and success.
Who Has the Advantage?
The benefit that the Patriots have is that nobody knows the tendencies of Tom Brady other than Bill Belichick. He is going to pull out all of the stops to limit the Bucs offense.
However, the Buccaneers are the better team on paper. They have an excellent receiving core and a solid defense. But one thing to keep in mind is a tight end, and one of Brady’s favorite targets Rob Gronkowski is inactive after suffering multiple fractured ribs and is expected to miss an extended period of time.
On the other hand, the Patriots have struggled to get anything going on offense as they rank 22nd overall in total yards per game. They will need to rely on their defense to have any chance of upsetting the odds and winning this game.
Betting Analysis
- Patriots +195 Moneyline
- Buccaneers -240 Moneyline
- Buccaneers -5.5 Spread
- Total Points 49
The Bucs are the team to beat in this one. They can advance to a respectable 3-1 record on the season with a win in Foxborough. Expect this game to be competitive and the Patriots to make it closer than anticipated.
If the Patriots upset the Bucs, it will likely be because of Belichick and the Patriots’ coaching staff. They are going to have to be one step ahead of Tampa Bay if they wish to pull out the surprise victory.
No matter who wins, this is going to be a game worth tuning into. With so much history between Brady and the Pats, this is going to be something special. Brady won six Super Bowls playing under the tutelage of Belichick.
Now he has a chance to defeat his former coach.
Free Pick: Buccaneers (-175)
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