Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL wild card game
Super wild card weekend will wrap up on Monday night when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8) host the Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) for a spot in the divisional round.
It's been a complete free-fall for the Eagles, who enter the playoffs losers in five of their last six games. No NFC East title was captured, and Philadelphia now faces a playoff run that'll have to take place on the road. There are several injury questions heading into Tampa Bay, and Philadelphia will need to turn around if it wants a chance to get back to the Super Bowl.
An up-and-down season in Tampa Bay ended on a high as the Buccaneers were able to secure the NFC South title for the third straight season. The Buccaneers have won five of their last six games and have momentum heading into a game against a team that had a much better overall season. Will the home-field advantage help Tampa Bay move on, or will Philadelphia right the ship and advance?
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Buccaneers vs. Eagles odds, moneyline, over/under
The Eagles are favorites to defeat the Buccaneers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Spread: Eagles (-3)
Moneyline: Eagles (-155); Buccaneers (+130)
Over/under: 43
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NFL Wild Card odds, predictions and picks
AFC: Texans vs. Browns | Chiefs vs. Dolphins | Bills vs. Steelers
NFC: Cowboys vs. Packers | Lions vs. Rams | Buccaneers vs. Eagles
Lorenzo Reyes: Eagles 25, Buccaneers 20
Everything about Philadelphia’s recent play tells me this is not a pick to make, but I do think the Eagles will get right at some point. With the playoffs adding to the urgency of the situation and with the Buccaneers playing well, if unpredictably, I think the Eagles should rise to the task. The defense is still a concern but, simply put, the Eagles have a better roster.
Tyler Dragon: Eagles 24, Buccaneers 20
No playoff team has had a more dramatic plunge than the Eagles. Philadelphia’s lost five of its last six as they enter the postseason. They are struggling on both sides of the football. Although maybe the Eagles can tap into recent postseason success and the invaluable experience from last year. The Bucs are a well-coached team under Todd Bowles, but they are in the playoffs because somebody had to win the weak NFC South division.
Safid Deen: Buccaneers 26, Eagles 23
Both teams have some experience getting to the Super Bowl recently, but the injuries are concerning here. Baker Mayfield (foot) was injured last week, while Eagles’ stars Jalen Hurts (hand, knee), AJ Brown (knee) and DeVonta Smith (ankle) are all questionable to play. Philly finished this season losing five of their last six games, and their run will mercifully end in Tampa Bay on Monday night.
Victoria Hernandez: Eagles 24, Buccaneers 20
This one took me a long time to mull over and ultimately I couldn’t pick against Jalen Hurts — yet. In the last six games, the Eagles have not shown any of the spark or grit that had them in contention for the NFC East crown and they’re dealing with plenty of injuries. This game might depend on Baker Mayfield’s health, but either way, I think the reigning NFC champions will their way to the win.
Jordan Mendoza: Eagles 20, Buccaneers 19
What a difference a few weeks makes. For most of the season, this would be seen as another Philadelphia victory, especially since it already beat Tampa Bay earlier this season. But the free-fall will make this a much closer game. Still, the Eagles' defense can limit Baker Mayfield and company to pick up the road victory.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Playoff game predictions, picks and odds
