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The reigning NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles will clash with the surprising Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an intriguing Week 3 encounter at Raymond James Stadium. The Eagles (2-0) outscored the Minnesota Vikings last week to remain unbeaten, while the Buccaneers (2-0) stayed perfect with a win over the Chicago Bears.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Philadelphia Eagles – game predictions
Contents
The Eagles are a 5-point road favorite with a total of 45 points. Philadelphia opened as a -6.5 favorite, but the line has steadily moved down for this Monday Night Football matchup.
Prediction 1: Baker Mayfield Over 227.5 Passing Yards @ -110 (1.91)
Mayfield is averaging 245 passing yards per game and completed 76.5% of his 34 passes against the Bears last week for 317 yards. The former Heisman Trophy winner will be facing an Eagles pass defense that is the second-worst in the NFL this season, with 326 passing yards allowed per game. However, Philadelphia has the league’s top run defense and has limited opposing backfields to 52 rushing yards per game and a meager 3.35 yards per carry. A projected negative game script will force the Buccaneers to air it out, and Mayfield should connect on a few big plays. Thus, the OVER 227.5 passing yards seems reasonable due to the anticipated high volume of throws.
Prediction 2: Mike Evans Over 3.5 Receptions @ -165 (1.61)
Evans enters Monday night with 12 catches on 18 targets and ranks fifth in the league with 237 receiving yards. The 6-foot-5 wideout has tallied six receptions in both games this season and now squares off against an Eagles pass defense that was torched by Justin Jefferson last week to the tune of 11 catches for 159 yards. Tampa Bay’s 18th-ranked rushing attack will have an uphill climb against the Eagles’ stout run defense, which will create more opportunities for Evans. Look for Evans to catch four or more passes with little resistance.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Philadelphia Eagles – Can the Bucs stop the Eagles running game?
Philadelphia boasts the NFL’s second-ranked ground attack with 178 yards per game. The Eagles posted a whopping 259 rushing yards last week against the Vikings but will face a Buccaneers’ run defense allowing just 54 rushing yards each week.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers form, news and injuries
The Buccaneers defense is the strength of the team and is a top-10 unit in scoring (8th), total yards (10th), rushing yards (3rd), sacks (5th), and interceptions (3rd). Mayfield ranks sixth in the league with a 104.4 Quarterback Rating. Evans (12-237) and Chris Godwin (10-109) have combined for 22 catches for 346 receiving yards.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers injury report
• G Cody Mauch (Back) – Questionable
• DL Calijah Kancey (Calf) – Out
• LB SirVocea Dennis (Hamstring) – Out
• LB Devin White (Groin) – Questionable
• CB Carlton Davis III (Toe) – Questionable
• DL Vita Vea (Pectoral) – Questionable
Philadelphia Eagles form, news and injuries
Hurts has 435 total yards after two games this season, compared to 723 combined yards in the first two weeks last year. Receivers DeVonta Smith (11-178) and A.J. Brown (11-108) have accounted for over 50% of the Eagles 40 receptions. Rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter has one sack and three tackles for losses.
Philadelphia Eagles injury report
• RB Boston Scott (Concussion) – Out
• WR Quez Watkins (Hamstring) – Out
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Philadelphia Eagles head to head record
The Buccaneers lead the all-time series 11-10 and have won the last four meetings:
• 2022: Buccaneers won 31-15 in Tampa Bay*
• 2021: Buccaneers won 28-22 in Philadelphia
• 2018: Buccaneers won 27-21 in Tampa Bay
• 2015: Buccaneers won 45-17 in Philadelphia
• 2013: Eagles won 31-20 in Tampa Bay
* NFC Wild Card Game
Key match details
• Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 2023, 07:15 p.m. ET
• Venue: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida
• Where to watch match in UK: Sky Sports (TV), fuboTV, or other live stream
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