The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers is one of the many noteworthy games on this slate of Week 2 NFL preseason action.
Anxious Steelers supporters should be excited going into this game because of the team’s impressive Week 1 performance, even though they will have to wait a little longer to see Aaron Rodgers behind center.
The greatest betting odds and the top PA sportsbooks are included in my list of Buccaneers vs. Steelers predictions and picks below.
Buccaneers vs. Steelers Predictions and best bets
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Steelers moneyline: (+130 odds on Caesars Sportsbook
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Over 38.5 points: (-114 odds on FanDuel Sportsbook
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Steelers moneyline
In Week 1, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated Tennessee with a 16-point fourth quarter, but they had trouble separating themselves until then, even though the Titans’ quarterbacks threw three turnovers.
On the other hand, Mason Rudolph went 9 for 10 with one touchdown and Skylar Thompson completed 20 of 28 throws for three touchdowns and zero interceptions, making the Steelers’ quarterback play impressive.
Jacksonville’s secondary was the worst in the league the previous season, so the Bucs will probably put up a better fight in the air.
Nevertheless, Tampa Bay did not really improve in that area in 2024, letting opposing quarterbacks throw for the third-highest number of passing yards per contest.
At home, I favor the Steelers moneyline odds.
Over 38.5 points
These games were part of the Over’s 14-2 record during the first week of the preseason.
It makes sense that the total for this Pittsburgh vs. Tampa Bay game has increased to 38.5, particularly after the Bucs and Steelers combined to score 60 points against their opponents the previous week.
The Over should be a good bet because the Bucs secondary is still a relative weakness and the Steelers are passing more often than anticipated so far in the preseason (38 pass attempts in Week 1).
Buccaneers vs. Steelers moneyline odds analysis
Why the Buccaneers could win as the favorite
The best odds on DraftKings Sportsbook are -148.
A double-digit victory over a team like Tennessee is by no means a reliable indicator of an NFL team’s standing in relation to the other teams in the league.
Nevertheless, the Bucs’ easy disposal of the Titans was encouraging. Considering how bad the secondary was the previous season, they forced three interceptions, which is encouraging.
As a point of comparison, Tampa Bay finished 29th in terms of opponent interceptions per game the previous season. It was difficult for the Bucs to force turnovers in the air.
If the Bucs defense can replicate last week’s performance in this game, they should win.
Why the Steelers could win as the underdog
The best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook are +130.
Although home-field advantage is less important during the preseason, it is still advantageous for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will play at home.
The Steelers’ backup quarterbacks also appeared reliable, passing for over 300 yards during their close victory in Week 1. But it’s important to remember that they faced one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses, Jacksonville.
To win against a poor Tampa Bay secondary, Pittsburgh will need to get more from its running backs and have Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson have another big game.
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