Alright Chalk bettors get on those Eagles and get me more points I don't need. Tampa wins this game outright. The weather will not be a factor 43 and sunny! Here are the reasons. #1 Strength of schedule. The Bucs played against 8 playoff teams this year. Philly played 4. Tampa's schedule was rated second hardest going into the season with their opponents winning percentage at .555 with 12 of there opponents better than 500 last year and 7 of them playoff teams. Philly on the other hand had opponents with a winning percentage of .465 with 8 teams over 500 and 6 of last years playoff teams. The Bucs divisional sched of Green Bay and Chicago twice is a monster. #2 Turnover Ratio. The Bucs are +17 and the eagles +9. The bucs secondary has picked off a remarkable 28 passes. Iexpect a couple on Saturday. #3 Emotional Edge. Revenge from last year mixed with desperation of knowing their coaches job is on the line and the team as they know it is running out of oppurtunities. Philly on the other hand is believing all the press that all they have to do is show up and the Bucs will fold. I expect a totally different Tampa team then the one we saw a year ago in Philly. It will be a low scoring tight game, but the bucs should advance. Take the three and a half.
I don't need the 3.5, don't want the stinking 3.5, but I'll take the 3.5!!!!
- Thread starter SmashMouth
- Start date
I haven't even played the game; don't know if I even will play it. But I wouldn't be to quick to jump on the TB Express Train. You say it will be 43 and sunny; that's still damn cold. Johnson vs. McNabb - I woould have to go with McNabb. When the Eagles start blitzing Johnson, he's only even money to finish the game. Their secondary can match up well with Tbay receivers so they can put the pressure on. Running game doesn't figure to favor either side. We have seen Alstott and many others behind him, but they always get the same results. And before mortgaging the house, check how many touchdown passes Keyshawn has this year. I am not trying to make a case for the Eagles. I don't like Reid as a coach and cannot understand what he is doing much of the time. But I think this game will probably be determined by turnovers and mistakes in coverage.
