National Football League

NFL odds: Why Bucs vs. Rams is the best NFL game to bet on this season

Updated Sep. 26, 2021 1:23 p.m. ET

What do you get when you combine the top two favorites to win the NFC, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, a successful veteran QB in his own right trying to prove how good he is, and a razor-thin point spread in a game that could go either direction?

It's the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking on the Los Angeles Rams in America's Game of the Week on FOX for Week 3 – and it could very well be the single best NFL betting opportunity this regular season.

Think about it. It's already on pace to be the most-bet game of the season, even surpassing the season-opener between the Bucs and Cowboys, according to our insights at FOX Bet. EVERYONE is going to be watching this game on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX. The social media reactions will be flying fast and furious once the game begins. The trash talk will be fierce. Your group chats will light up with dissection and discussion of every single play.

Sunday is also probably the closest you'll get to backing Tom Brady as an underdog this season. In fact, the line opened with the Bucs +.5, before the public came in heavy on Tampa Bay. As of now, Brady & Co. are half-point favorites themselves, after getting as high as -1.5 during the week.

Otherwise, according to our experts at FOX Bet, the Bucs could be the favorites at kickoff for every single game this season if they win on Sunday night. Yes, you read that right.

Speaking of Brady – love him or hate him, the GOAT is arguably playing at the highest level of his entire career. If you want to ride with him, you're only laying 1.5 points (or betting $10 to win $18.50 on the moneyline, if you want to bet on Tampa Bay simply to win outright).

Tom Brady might be 44 years old, but the seven-time champ is actually leading the league in passing touchdowns with nine through the first two weeks. Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe discuss whether they agree that Brady is playing better than he ever has.

Tom Brady might be 44 years old, but the seven-time champ is actually leading the league in passing touchdowns with nine through the first two weeks. Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe discuss whether they agree that Brady is playing better than he ever has.

If you want to root against TB12, well, you're now getting that half-point with the Rams, instead of having to bet against Brady as an underdog.

Add it up, and Sunday afternoon is shaping up as one of the most fun opportunities to place your bets all season long. And in case you're still on the fence, here are the lines and two picks from FOX Sports' Colin Cowherd to help.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS @ LOS ANGELES RAMS (4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, FOX)

Point spread: Buccaneers -.5 (Buccaneers favored to win by more than .5 points, otherwise Rams cover)
Moneyline: Buccaneers -110 to win (bet $10 to win $19.09 total); Rams -110 to win (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Total scoring over/under: 55 points scored by both teams combined

Pick via FOX Sports' Colin Cowherd: "I like the Rams here. When you win a Super Bowl and bring everyone back, the concern is always a lack of motivation. The offense, everyone is fine because Brady is Mr. Intense, but, have you noticed that defense? Everyone got paid. Not a lot of urgency, not getting a lot of pass rush.

"I can see Tom watching a lot of this game on the sideline, with the Rams playing ball control. Generally, the Rams offensive line does a good job to protect their QB. I also thought the Rams did not play well last week, even though they won the game. So, I think you are going to see a much tighter ship with the Rams at home.

"This Rams defense has a lot of video on this Tampa Bay offense. You don't have a lot on Matt Stafford and the Rams. Remember, blowout win early where they didn't unveil a lot of the playbook in their opener, and played poorly in Week 2. It's a statement game for Stafford and the Rams. I like the Rams.

"I would also bet the OVER. I think there will be a lot of points. It's going to be a wildly competitive game. I love what I'm seeing from Tom's offense and Gronk looks like Gronk of five years ago. Brady is going to move the ball, but I do worry about Tampa's defense."

PICK: Rams (+.5 at FOX Bet) to cover by tying or winning outright; OVER 55 points scored by both teams combined

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