Free Pick: Philadelphia 9-8 at Tampa Bay 13-4 1/16/22

This first round matchup features the over-achieving Eagles against the defending Super Bowl Champs. The Buccaneers did what they were supposed to do by winning the NFC South rather easily. Meanwhile, very few gave Philadelphia much of a chance at making the playoffs, especially after a 2-5 start. But, the Eagles developed an identity and fought their way to get in this position. And, no one is giving them much of a shot again. Let’s see if there is something to bet.

TOTAL TEAM POINTS:

Philadelphia: 20.5 Total Team Points Quarterback, Jalen Hurts has had a MVP type year, but no one is talking about it. He has thrown for 3,144 yards and rushed for 784 more in 15 games. He has accounted for 26 touchdowns and has shown the toughness that this team is all about. The Eagles are rushing for 160 yards per game and they will try and pound it against the Bucs. This will be a key matchup as the Tampa Bay run defense is the strength of the defensive unit, limiting opponents to 93 yards per game. The Eagles have to be able to run. the ball to have a chance. I’ll take the Eagles slightly UNDER 20.5 team points

Tampa Bay: 28.5 Total Team Points Tampa Bay is averaging 30 points per game and when they are on their game they are difficult to stop. There is no reason to list the stats that Tom Brady has put up in, what has been a remarkable season, for this 44 year old quarterback. He will be missing a key ingredient in wide receiver, Chris Godwin who was having a tremendous year before suffering a knee injury. Mike Evans and Rob Gronkowski are still there and Leonard Fournette has been a factor in an improved run game. It will be a tall order for a good Philly defense to slow the Bucs down. I’ll take Tampa Bay OVER 28.5 team points.

OVER/UNDER: 46. Combined Team Points. I think Tampa Bay is going to score at least 30 so betting this line will depend on what the Eagles can do on offense. I’m going OVER 46 points.

POINT SPREAD: Tampa Bay is an 8.5-point favorite. Everything in our brains point to an easy Tampa Bay win in this one. They have more talent, they are at home, and they have Tom Brady. But the Eagles have overachieved and are a gritty bunch. Again, we are going with logic in this game.

DUDES WHO BET SPORTS PICK: Tampa Bay -8.5