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The Philadelphia Eagles (4-5) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) go head to head this week in a much anticipated NFC matchup. With both teams sitting with four wins headed down the stretch, winning this game could be the difference between whether or not either team makes the playoffs.
The Buccaneers come in having just defeated the Dallas Cowboys in a low scoring game. After starting 1-3, the Buccaneers have won two of their last three games with respectable wins over the Cowboys and the division rival Atlanta Falcons. Quarterback Jameis Winston, who has looked like the quarterback of the future for the most part this season, will be looking to lead the Bucs to consecutive wins for the first time in two years.
After being up 16-3 against the Miami Dolphins, the Eagles collapsed in the second half and lost 20-19 at home. The Eagles will be looking to avoid back-to-back losses as to keep their slim playoff hopes alive and will likely have to do so with backup quarterback Mark Sanchez under center after Sam Bradford got hurt last week.
This game is going to come down to which team can protect the football. The Eagles rank second in takeaways while the Buccaneers rank eighth. However, both teams also rank eighth in turning the ball over. The team that forces turnovers and capitalizes on them will have a major advantage in a game like this.
As of now, Philadelphia is a seven-point favorite at home. With as inconsistent as they’ve been, however, it’s difficult to know what team to expect. This is a must-win game for both teams as the Buccaneers’ hopes for a Wild Card are almost gone with a loss, and the Eagles would put themselves out of the Wild Card as well as behind in their division.
This is going to be a close game throughout. If Bradford were healthy and playing, the Eagles may have the slight advantage. However, given that Sanchez will most likely get the nod and the Buccaneers have looked like the better team, Tampa Bay will have a good chance to win. The Buccaneers get the victory with a second consecutive Winston game-winning drive.
Prediction: Buccaneers 23, Eagles 2o
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