Raiders vs Buccaneers Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/8/24

Las Vegas vs. Tampa Bay (TB -6.5, 46.5)

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Raiders vs Buccaneers Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/8/24

Las Vegas vs. Tampa Bay

The Las Vegas Raiders appeared to be on track to delivering a shock victory against the Kansas City Chiefs last week, only for a botched snap and a fumble by Aidan O’Connell gifting their rivals another baffling, one-score victory. In the grand scheme of things, securing another loss is probably not the worst thing in the world for this dismal Raiders roster, and the game did at least feature another sensational outing from rookie tight end Brock Bowers.

The former Georgia bulldog has been jaw-droppingly good this year, and is fresh off a 10-reception, 140-yard, and one-touchdown outing against a very good Chiefs defense. His 884 yards on the year are already almost as good as Sam LaPorta last year, and he looks very likely to beat the all-time single-season record for a rookie tight end of 1,076 yards, currently held by Mike Ditka. He will be looking to add to his tally this week against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that is giving up the third most passing yards per game, with 258.3.

That stat is also very good news for sophomore quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who will be making his second consecutive start as a replacement for the injured Gardner Minshew. O’Connell passed for 340 yards and two touchdowns against the Chiefs, with zero interceptions, and this favorable matchup gives him another chance to show that he has a future in this league.

One man who knows all about playing for his career is O’Connell’s opposite number in this game, Baker Mayfield. The former first-overall pick has been brilliant this year, passing for 3,034 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. This balances out at 238.8 passing yards per game for Tampa Bay, which is the sixth most in the NFL. After a brief stint on the sidelines due to injury, Mike Evans returned last week and was immediately back to his brilliant best, collecting 118 yards and one touchdown against the Panthers.

Whilst his return is great news for Mayfield and the Buccaneers moving forward, the even better news is that they have a stud at running back for the first time in a long time. Rookie Bucky Irving has looked sensational this season, averaging 5.5 yards per carry for his 732 yards and six touchdowns on the ground, to go along with 285 yards through the air. He has helped make the Buccaneers a top-10 rushing team, which has brought balance to the offense and helped Mayfield thrive.

With the Buccaneers now tied with the Atlanta Falcons at the top of the NFC South, every single game is crucial. This is absolutely a game that Tampa Bay should be winning with ease, although their overtime scare with the Panthers last week is a reminder to never get complacent.

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