Vegas odds have Tampa Bay as underdogs again

What is Las Vegas thinking about the Buccaneers and Eagles game this weekend? Last week, Vegas was thinking a Saints blowout, but was way off in that prediction.

In no way am I a professional gambler, and in no way am I telling you to put your money with what I predict. This is really just for fun and something we here at Bucs Nation thought the readers would enjoy after sports gambling was legalized.

For those that don’t know sports gambling, I will quickly go over the three main bets that are often placed. Also, the lines could always change and the website you use, could be different from another one.

Betting with the spread: Currently, the Buccaneers are +3 ½ . This means that if you were to take the Buccaneers with the spread, they could lose by 3 points and you’d win. On the opposite side, if you took the Eagles at -3 ½ , they’d have to win by 4 for you to win the bet. Spread bets always have the same odds, which are -110. This means that you need to risk $110 to win $100.

Money line bets: As of Friday evening, the Eagles are -170, while the Buccaneers are +150. In money line bets, all the team you bet on has to do is win. In terms of what the -170 means for the Saints, you’d have to risk $170 dollars just to win $100. The Buccaneers at +150, meaning that a $100 dollar bet would win you $150 dollars. This is a big difference from last week, where the Buccaneers were +440.

Over/Under bets: Again, no matter what way you pick, the odds in this case are -110. Vegas sports books currently have the over under at 44 ½ total points scored . If you take the over,the Bucs and Eagles must combined to score 45 points in order for you to win. Obviously, the under is 44 or under.

So now we get to the part where I try and beat Vegas. Last week, I picked Tampa Bay at +9 ½ (won), but i also picked the under 49 ½ (lost). Current record on the season is 1-1. I will keep a tracker all season of how I am doing.

A few things to consider. Philadelphia is 16-2 straight up (money line) in it’s last 18 games and 6-1 straight up on the road in their last seven. The total has gone UNDER in five of the last six games Tampa Bay has played at home, but the total has gone OVER in four of the last five matchups between the Eagles and Bucs.

Just like last week, the public is leaning towards the Eagles. According to Oddshark.com 58% of the public is taking the Saints at -3 ½. Heavy bets have been coming in on the OVER of 44 ½.

My picks: Buccaneers at +150 and the under over 44 ½. It’s Tampa Bay’s home opener and I believe they will win the game. The Buccaneers have momentum to carry over from last week’s win and unlike other week two’s, I think they do that this season. Tampa Bay starts 2-0 for the first time since 2010. I picked the over simply because Tampa will score points, but so will the Eagles. Ryan Smith and two rookie corners are playing this weekend. That’s a recipe for disaster, but like last week, “Fitzmagic” will outscore Foles.