NFL Playoffs: Philadelphia Eagles vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Odds, and Picks (Jan 15)

• The Buccaneers ended the regular season with the #4 seed in the NFC.
• The Eagles are the #5 seed following a disappointing end to the regular season.
• These teams have met at this stage of the playoffs three times previously.

The 11-6 Philadelphia Eagles take on the 9-8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers in this NFC Wild Card Matchup. The Eagles’ season stuttered in the latter stages and they ended the regular season with two losses. The Buccaneers won in week 18 to end the season top of the NFC South division, gaining home field advantage here in the process.

How To Watch

• ABC

Game Preview

A little over three months following their 25-11 loss to the Eagles in week 3, the Buccaneers have an opportunity for revenge in a post season match that many never saw coming. Tampa Bay put together a run of 5 wins from their final 6 matches to end the season as divisional champions for the third year running, and earn the #4 seed. QB Baker Mayfield has enjoyed a personal renaissance this season, throwing for 4044 yards and 28 touchdowns, with just 10 interceptions and a passer rating of 94.6. The veteran has played through pain many times this season and will have to do so again after suffering rib and ankle injuries against Carolina in week 18. Running Back Rachaad White and WR Mike Evans have been key to Tampa Bay’s success this season and their playoff hopes will hang on more big performances from these two.

The Eagles have injury woes of their own heading into this key matchup. QB Jalen Hurts dislocated the middle finger of his throwing hand, and WR A.J. Brown picked up a knee injury during their final regular season matchup. Both are expected to suit up for this game, although Brown’s injury is more of a worry than Hurts’ at present. The good news for Philly is that cornerback Darius Slay appears to be ready to suit up following a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The 5-time Pro Bowler underwent knee surgery in December but could make his return at the best possible time for the Eagles.

Prediction

The Buccaneers are home underdogs here, and whilst I would love to see Baker Mayfield get the playoff run he deserves it seems unlikely to happen. The Eagles look a shadow of the side they did last season, but they should be too strong for Tampa Bay here.

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