San Diego Chargers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Betting Odds & Spread

Written December 17, 2008 by Jason Lowry

Buccaneers Chargers Football

The San Diego Chargers season was nearly over last week, but thanks to a last minute drive by Philip Rivers, the Chargers still have hope of making the playoffs when they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday. Thanks to the late TD toss the Chargers took home a 22-21 win in Kansas City, while the Bucs lost their 2nd straight game, as they fell 13-10 to the Falcons in overtime. Now the Bucs looked like they were playoff bound just a couple weeks ago, but are now right in the middle of a mess of teams fighting for the two wild card spots. So its pretty easy to see that both teams desperately need a win this weekend. For those of you looking to do some NFL betting this weekend, the oddsmakers have the Buccaneers 3 point favorites at home over the Chargers at BetUS.com

The Chargers looked like they were completely out of it last week, as they trailed 21-3 at one point, and 21-10 going into the 4th quarter, but thanks to touchdown tosses from Rivers to first Malcom Floyd and then finally the go ahead strike to Vincent Jackson with just 36 seconds remaining. Rivers late heroics made up for a shaky start, as he wound up throwing for 346 yards with 2 touchdowns to one interception. The Chargers also got a 6 yard touchdown run from LaDainian Tomlinson, who had 39 yards on the day, but for a team that really looked sluggish in the first half, this was quite the finish for a team that could magically sneak into the playoffs with a little help from the Broncos.

Now the Charges defense should get some credit for the win in this one, as they kept the Chiefs in check when it mattered most in the 4th quarter, as the Chiefs scored all 3 of their touchdowns in the opening 3 quarters of play. The Charges defense did record 2 turnovers in this one, but were unable to get a sack in this one. Now the Chiefs could of easily beat this team both games, but the Chargers have to have a little momentum going into their game this weekend. Bet San Diego Chargers +3 at BetUS.com

Now bad news for the Chargers this weekend, is their game is in Tampa Bay, where the Bucs have yet to lose this season. Last week the Buccaneers fell behind early 10-0, but found a way to even it up before the end of regulation thanks to a 20 yard touchdown pass to Antonio Bryant in the 2nd quarter, and a 38 yard field goal by Matt Bryant with just 44 seconds left to go in the 4th. Now the Bucs had to turn to Brian Griese as their starting quarterback, as Jeff Garcia was scratched right before the game, and Griese responded by throwing for 269 yards and a score, but expect Garcia Back in action this week against the Chargers. The Bucs rushing attack wasn’t that great last week, as Warrick Dunn and Cadillac Williams combined for just 99 yards, but we expect the numbers across the board to go up this week on their home field.

The Buccaneers defense gave up all the Falcons points in regulation in the first quarter of play, and this unit deserves some credit for the way it kept this team in the game with its play over the final 3 periods. Now a big reason for that was the 2 interceptions and fumble the defense forced, as they had little answer for Michael Turner and the running game, as Turner racked up 152 yards and the only Falcons touchdown on 32 carries. With LT looking like he has lost a step, its going to be up to the Bucs secondary in this one, as Rivers and company will likely try and get the pass going in this one. Bet Tampa Bay Buccaneers -3 at BetUS.com

Looking for some help on who to bet on this weekend? Check out these great NFL picks and grab the latest NFL odds for all the games this weekend at Betfirms.

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