Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Football Team: 1/9/21 NFL Picks and Prediction

Defensively, Tampa Bay is allowing their opponents to average 22.2 ppg on 327.1 total yards per game (246.6 passing yds/g; 80.6 rushing yds/g).

The Washington Football Team finished the season with just an overall of 7-9, however, Washington earned the 4-seed and a home playoff game after clinching the NFC East with a 20-14 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles this past Sunday night. Washington started off the season with just a 2-7 record, however, Washington was able to put together a nice 4-game wining streak towards the end of the season which included a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and was able to do enough to earn their first playoff spot since the 2015 season.

On the season, Washington is averaging 20.9 ppg on 317.3 total yards per game (216.6 passing yds/g; 100.7 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Washington has been led by RB Antonio Gibson who had 170 carries for 795 yards & 11 TD. In the backfield with Gibson has been J.D. McKissic (85 att, 365 yards, 1 TD; 80 rec, 589 yards, 2 TD). Washington went through a bunch of QB’s this season, however, has gotten solid play by QB Alex Smith who had completed 66.7% of his passes for 1,582 yards, 6 TD, & 8 INT. The top receiving threats for Washington have been Terry McLaurin (87 rec, 4=1,118 yards, 4 TD), Logan Thomas (72 rec, 670 yards, 6 TD), & Cam Sims (32 rec, 477 yards, 1 TD).

Defensively, Washington is holding their opponents to an average of 20.6 ppg on 304.6 total yards per game (191.8 passing yds/g; 112.8 rushing yds/g).

The Buccaneers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall, however, are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games in January. Washington is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Saturday games and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

Tampa Bay comes into this game as a large road favorite as their explosive offense seems to be running on all cylinders at the moment, however, we’ll have to monitor the status of one of their best receivers in Mike Evans as his injury this past Sunday looked pretty bad and I won’t be shocked if he can’t go for this one. Washington doesn’t have many weapons on the offensive end, however, there is no doubting that their defense is one of the best in the NFL and one advantage of going up against Brady is that there is no threat of him beating with you his legs. Tampa Bay should be able to get the win in this one, however, I think this game is going to be a bit closer than everyone expects and I’m going to side with Washington and the points. Good Luck!