Sunday’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New England Patriots game sees the much-anticipated return of Tom Brady to Foxborough, with an opportunity for him to break yet another QB record in the place he called home for nearly two decades. Let’s look at the current lines and NFL odds, a prediction for the game, the TV channel, and where and how to live stream the Buccaneers vs. Patriots Week 4 NFL game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New England Patriots prediction and odds | Week 4
- Spread:Â Buccaneers -7
- Moneyline:Â Buccaneers -290, Patriots +230
- Over/Under:Â 49 (Over -110, Under
When you look at Tampa Bay’s season through two weeks, it is their offense that is leading the way. They rank in the top 10 in both points scored and yards gained, largely thanks to their passing game.
In contrast, their defense ranks in the bottom 10 in both categories, also largely because of the passing game. Those numbers do offer some pause when making predictions for this Buccaneers vs. Patriots game.
It’s important to mention that the Buccaneers have faced two potential NFC playoff teams and two strong offenses in the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams. They may get some respite in this matchup against a Patriots offense that ranks 26th in passing yards per attempt and 27th in passing touchdowns.
On the other hand, while the offense has struggled, New England’s defense has been superb. However, having faced the Dolphins, Jets, and Saints, the case could be made that this will be the first real test for the Patriots’ defense — and quite the test it will be against their former QB. Coming off a disappointing performance in Week 3, the Patriots need a strong showing to demonstrate they are still a force in the AFC.
Buccaneers vs. Patriots prediction
Regardless of the result, the headlines coming out of this game will likely be about Brady. Whether he breaks the all-time passing yards record on the way to a comfortable win, or the Buccaneers suffer a surprise loss, this game will be about Brady.
Realistically, this should be Tampa Bay’s game to lose. Through three weeks, the numbers for these teams are highly influenced by their opponents. The Buccaneers’ schedule has forced them to play two potential playoff teams. Meanwhile, the Patriots may have not yet faced a playoff team.
What makes this matchup absolutely fascinating is the chess match between Brady and Belichick. Brady is famed for his pre-snap reading of the defense, while Belichick’s defense is his calling card. Nevertheless, both of them should have some surprises up their sleeve.
Ultimately, Brady should leave with the bragging rights thanks to the superiority of the offensive weapons at his disposal.
Prediction: Buccaneers 30, Patriots 20
How to watch and listen to Buccaneers vs. Patriots this week
- Start: 8:20 PM ET
- Channel: NBC
- Listen:Â Westwood One, TuneIn
- Live Streaming Options:
- Sling
- Hulu + Live TV
- Peacock
- fuboTV
- YouTubeTV
- Locast (selected markets)
- AT&T TV
- NFL Mobile App
