The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a disappointing loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 11; however, things are not about to get any easier for the current NFC South division leaders.
The injury-riddled team will make its way to So-Fi Stadium for a showdown with MVP candidate Matthew Stafford, in what could prove to be a crucial matchup in the NFC playoff picture.
Predicting How the Buccaneers and Rams Week 12 Matchup Could Play Out
The Buccaneers (6-4) hold a narrow lead over the Carolina Panthers (5-5) for the division lead after dropping their last two games. The postseason picture can change dramatically this week if Tampa Bay were to lose.
According to PFSN Analytics, the Buccaneers’ odds to win the NFC South would jump from 74.50% to 80.90%; however, if they were to lose to the Rams, that number would tumble to 68.80%. This emphasizes the importance of this game for Tampa.
One area that could significantly impact the Buccaneers’ chances in Week 12 involves the health of several key players on both sides of the ball. Chris Godwin Jr., Bucky Irving, and Jamel Dean are three players to keep an eye on heading into the game, as they could be a deciding factor in the outcome.
The Buccaneers Will Win If They Shutdown the Rams’ Elite Wide Receiver Core
The Los Angeles Rams have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, sitting 4th in PFSN’s Offense Impact rankings, while also leading the league in passing touchdowns with 27.
The combination of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams poses problems for every defense in the NFL, which could become an even bigger issue if superstar cornerback Jamel Dean were to be inactive for the game.
READ MORE:Â Week 12 NFL Power Rankings: Broncos, Bills, Rams Victorious in Key Matchups
That being said, if Tampa Bay can shut down the Rams’ WR core, or at least limit them, the Los Angeles running game has been solid but unspectacular. The Rams rank 20th in total rushing yards and 18th in rushing touchdowns. Taking away their prized passing game could be a recipe for success for the Buccaneers; however, this is easier said than done.
The Buccaneers Will Lose If They Are Unable to Limit Costly Turnovers
Even if Tampa can limit some of the Rams’ success in the passing game, if Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers can’t clean up some of their mistakes, it could be a long day at the office. The Rams defense, which sits 4th in the PFSN’s Defense Impact rankings, will undoubtedly cash in on any sloppy play from the visitors.
During Tampa Bay’s loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 11, Baker Mayfield threw an interception and lost a fumble, which ultimately contributed to their downfall. Simply put, if Mayfield is unable to bounce back to the form he showed earlier in the season, it could play out similarly as it did during the loss to the Bills.
Unfortunately for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, their losing streak may very well continue on Sunday in Los Angeles. The combination of their own injuries and inconsistent play could be simply too much to overcome a Rams team that has won 5 straight games.
