How to watch Patriots vs. Buccaneers

The 2-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers play the 2-2 New England Patriots in their first nationally televised game of the season. The Bucs are hosting the game, and a win would vault them into a tie for the NFC South lead. Meanwhile, the Patriots are dying to recover from a mediocre start to the season.

The Bucs have been very up and down this year, beating the terrible Chicago Bears comfortably, losing embarrassingly against the Case Keenum-led Minnesota Vikings, and eking out a close win full of kicking woes against the New York Giants last week.

But then, the Patriots haven’t been their usual dominant selves. Their defense appears to be made entirely of holes, but their offense is still very good. And that offense will be facing a Bucs defense with several rookies at key positions, most notably Kendell Beckwith at middle linebacker and probably Justin Evans at safety.

A shootout in the making, it would seem, and perhaps DeSean Jackson’s first big game in a Bucs uniform. With a bit of luck, and a more accurate than usual Jameis Winston.

Here’s everything you need to know to watch tonight’s game.

Patriots vs. Buccaneers

Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.

Game time: Thursday, October 5, 8:25 p.m. ET

TV channel: CBS/NFL Network (Nationally televised)

Announcers: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson

Online streaming: CBS All Access

Matchup history: Patriots lead all-time, 6-2

Odds: Patriots are six-point favorites

Enemy blog: Pats Pulpit

Twitter: @Bucs_Nation

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