This appears to be a clash between two teams headed in opposite directions after the first several weeks of the 2024-25 NFL Season, as the unbeaten Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) will host the winless Denver Broncos (0-2) in Week 3. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix needs to turn things around fast, as Head Coach Sean Payton can’t be impressed with his performance under center through the first two games of the year. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM EST on September 22nd at Raymond James Stadium.
It appears as if the honeymoon between Broncos fans and Bo Nix may already be over, as the rookie has struggled immensely to begin his career as a starting quarterback in the NFL. Denver has only managed to score a combined 26 points through two full games, which is certainly not a recipe for success. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay has looked great to start their 2024 campaign, winning two straight games including an impressive road win over playoff contender Detroit.
On paper, this matchup looks pretty one-sided due to Tampa’s clearly superior pool of talent on the offensive side of the ball. Despite the mounting pressure on Nix to turn things around in a hurry, it doesn’t appear that things will turn around for Denver’s offense here in Week 3 on the road in a tough environment to play in.
Matchup Details, Betting Market Information and Where to Watch
Oddsmakers opened this game up with the Buccaneers listed as 6.5-point home favorites. The spread hasn’t budged at all after early betting, as Tampa Bay is currently available at -6.5 on most sportsbooks. The total for this matchup is 40.5 points. Viewers hoping to watch the game should note that it will be televised exclusively on FOX. In Canada, the game will also be available on DAZN.
Denver Broncos Fail To Find End Zone Against Pittsburgh
Scoring was at a premium in the Broncos Week 2 matchup with Pittsburgh, as the two teams combined for just 19 total points the entire game. Unfortunately for Denver, the offense failed to score a touchdown the entire game en route to a 13-6 loss in their home opener. Bo Nix threw multiple interceptions for the second consecutive game while also just completing 20 out of 35 total passing attempts. NIx did lead the team in rushing, although that certainly wasn’t a good thing as he only managed to gain a total of 25 yards. Wideout Josh Reynolds led the way for the receiving corps, making four catches for 93 yards in a losing cause.
The Broncos defense managed to keep them in the game until the final whistle, holding Pittsburgh to well under 300 total yards of offense and a single touchdown. Denver was especially tough defending against the pass, as Justin Fields only managed to throw for 117 yards though the air.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defeat Lions In Detroit
Despite an underwhelming performance by the Lions offense in what oddsmakers expected to be a very high scoring matchup, Tampa Bay still showed a ton of heart throughout their gutsy 20-16 road win in Week 2. QB Baker Mayfield came through when it counted despite throwing for just 185 yards through the air. Wideout Chris Godwin was the star of the game for the Bucs on offense, racking up seven catches for 117 receiving yards and a touchdown.
It was definitely a team effort on the ground for Tampa Bay in Week 2, as starting RB Rachaad White appeared to tweak his groin and was largely ineffective on the ground all game. Rookie Bucky Irving also couldn’t really get anything going against a tough Lions run defense, averaging only 3.1 yards per carry. Baker Mayfield was by far the Bucs most impactful rusher, averaging just under seven yards per carry and adding a critical touchdown late in the third quarter that ended up winning the game.
Tampa Bay managed to hold the Lions to just 16 points despite surrendering well over 400 total yards of offense. The Buccaneers really struggled to contain star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, as he torched the secondary for 119 receiving yards on a game-high 11 catches. They also surrendered over 110 rushing yards to the dynamic duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, although they did limit them to just one touchdown.
Our Broncos vs Buccaneers NFL Betting Prediction and Pick
Oddsmakers don’t exactly expect a big turnaround from the Denver offense here in Week 3, and I’m definitely inclined to agree. The Broncos implied team total is one of the lowest on the entire slate, as it seems increasingly likely that Bo Nix’s transition to the NFL-level will continue to be a very bumpy ride for the foreseeable future.
The Buccaneers offense has scored almost 60 total points through their first two games combined, so even Denver’s above average secondary could be in tough on the road against a stacked offense. It also appears that Rachaad White should be able to suit up for Tampa Bay on Sunday, so even if Evans and Godwin are somewhat contained, it could be a long afternoon for a rushing defense that allowed Kenneth Walker III to explode on the ground in Week 1 on the road.
Against the Spread Betting Market Tip: Buccaneers -6.5
There is no doubt that Denver’s above average defense has kept them competitive in both of their first two games to open the regular season in 2024. However, despite staying within a single touchdown of their opponents in back to back games, the Broncos anemic play on offense will likely cost them again here in Week 3 against a confident Tampa Bay squad playing at home.
Even though the current line looks to be pretty sharp overall, I still think that some value can be had with the home favorite at any number under a full touchdown. While the defense hasn’t looked overly sharp at times in both of their back to back wins, they should have no problem getting a ton of pressure on a rookie quarterback who has already demonstrated he is prone to multiple turnovers per game. Lay the 6.5 points and take the Bucs to continue rolling at home.
