Buccaneers vs Chargers Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/15/24

Tampa Bay vs Los Angeles (LAC -3, 45.5)

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Buccaneers vs Chargers Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/15/24

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Los Angeles Chargers | Sunday, December 15, 2024

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have surged to the top of the NFC South, capitalizing on a 4-game losing streak by the Falcons to take a 1-game lead, with a 7-6 record. This week, they face a tough LA Chargers opposition whose 8-5 record gives them a wild-card spot in the AFC. Their division rival Denver Broncos are level with them though, so every game is crucial, and neither the Bucs nor Chargers can afford a loss here.

Despite enjoying a three-game win streak, things haven’t exactly gone smoothly for the Buccaneers in recent weeks. They needed overtime to defeat the Panthers, and gave away three turnovers against the Raiders. They will need to be far more careful with the ball this weekend if they are to continue the win streak against a far superior opposition. The LA Charges are conceding the fewest points per game, with 15.9, and have produced the 5th most interceptions with 13.

They will be on high alert for any turnover opportunities this week, with Baker having thrown 4 interceptions over his last two games. Aside from the interceptions, of which Baker has 13 on the season, he has been excellent. He has completed 70% of his passes for 3,329 yards and 28 touchdowns, which already matches his touchdown tally from last year. He has helped the Bucs produce the sixth most passing yards per game, with 241, combining very well with Mike Evans, Cade Otton, and rookie Jalen McMillan, who had 2 touchdowns last week.

This will be a tough matchup for Baker and his crew though, going up against a Chargers unit that is giving up just 206.1 passing yards per game, which is 8th best in the NFL. Combine this with their penchant for interceptions, and you have a dangerous combo for the Bucs.

When the Chargers are on offense, expect to see a lot of Justin Herbert. Whilst the team wanted to run the ball at the beginning of the year, a JK Dobbins injury has made this tricky, with them only averaging 111.5 rushing yards per game, which is 19th in the NFL. This weekend, they are going up against a Tampa defense that is conceding the third most passing yards per game, with 253.4, which will be an appealing target for one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

Hopefully, Herbert will benefit from the return of Ladd McConkey, who has been fantastic in his rookie season. He has 815 yards so far, and has surpassed the 100-yard mark in two of his last three games. Quentin Johnston stepped up in McConkey’s absence last week, but he is not someone that you want to rely on too much. Herbert will be hoping to have the reliable McConkey back on the field, and, if he does, the Chargers will be in a great position to rack up some points and improve on their underwhelming average of 21.3 per game (20th in the NFL).

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