Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4) vs. Houston Texans (3-5)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans 11/5/23 – The forthcoming contest between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with a record of 3-4, and the Houston Texans, at 3-5, promises to be a critical encounter in NFL Week 9. This engagement not only captivates enthusiasts but also piques the interest of discerning bettors, as both squads aim to enhance their seasonal trajectory. Those in pursuit of top free NFL prediction need look no further.
The Buccaneers’ offensive performance this season presents a nuanced evaluation. Spearheaded by Rachaad White, their ground offensive has demonstrated consistency, though perhaps lacking in moments of brilliance. Over 7 games, White has undertaken 92 rushing attempts, accumulating a total of 305 yards. With an average of 3.3 yards per attempt, his proficiency in retaining possession and advancing has proven pivotal for Tampa Bay. In terms of aerial prowess, Mike Evans stands out. Having secured 33 receptions out of 55 opportunities, Evans boasts 507 receiving yards, averaging an impressive 15.4 yards per reception. His tally of 5 touchdowns underscores his pivotal role within scoring zones.
On the Texans’ side, their ground game is anchored by Dameon Pierce. In his 7 appearances, Pierce has carried the ball 109 times, accumulating 327 yards. While his 3 yards per attempt isn’t groundbreaking, he offers a reliable option for Houston. As for their aerial assault, Nico Collins is the name to watch. Securing 33 receptions from 48 targets, Collins has a whopping 577 receiving yards, boasting an impressive 17.5 yards per catch. His playmaking ability, particularly with 13 receptions of 20+ yards, is a concern for any defense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans 11/5/23 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | NRG Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Baker Mayfield QB vs. C.J. Stroud QB
Baker Mayfield has had a season of highs and lows. In 7 games, he’s completed 158 of his 246 attempts – a 64.2% completion rate. With 1600 passing yards, Mayfield’s 6.5 yards per attempt and 228.6 passing yards per game showcase his ability to push the ball downfield. However, with 10 passing touchdowns against 4 interceptions, there are concerns about his decision-making under pressure, especially given the 11 sacks he’s taken.
For the Texans, C.J. Stroud offers a fresh perspective at the quarterback position. In his 7 outings, Stroud has connected on 143 of his 237 throws, translating to a 60.3% completion rate. His 1800 passing yards, averaging 7.6 yards per attempt and 257.1 yards per game, are noteworthy. With a solid TD to INT ratio (9:1) and a passer rating of 94.9, Stroud shows promise, though his protection needs to improve given the 15 sacks he’s endured.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Houston Texans -150, Total Odds: 40
The odds favor the Texans slightly, but this game could be anyone’s for the taking. Given Tampa Bay’s recent form and Houston’s home record, this one promises to be close. For those looking to place a wager, consider the Buccaneers at +2.5, offering a decent return at +101.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Trends
Recent form paints a challenging picture for the Buccaneers. They’ve struggled to cover the spread, going 5-10 ATS in their last 15 games. Their offense has been underwhelming, with 5 consecutive unders. Furthermore, they’re 1-4 straight up in their last 5 games and have a similar record against Houston. Traveling has been tough for Tampa Bay, as the total has gone UNDER in 9 of their last 11 away games.
Houston Texans Betting Trends
The Texans, despite their overall record, are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games. Recent form indicates a preference for low-scoring affairs, with the total going UNDER in 4 of their last 5 matchups. Their 5-14 straight-up record in the last 19 games suggests inconsistency, more so at home where they’ve won only 2 of the last 10.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans 11/5/23 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ recent performances and trends, this matchup seems evenly poised. While the Texans are slightly favored, the Buccaneers, with their potent offense, cannot be written off.
For those looking to place bets, the Buccaneers at +2.5 seems a tempting pick. Prop bets on Mike Evans to score could offer value given his red-zone presence. With recent trends and both teams’ offensive struggles in mind, the under 40 points also appears a safe bet. For the best multi-handicapper picks, always ensure you research and consult multiple sources.
Free Pick and Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20, Houston Texans 19