Posted on
1/4/2008 4:04:23 PM
Bet on NFL Playoffs – Tampa Bay Meets New York
By Russell Edward
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden has rested quite a few of his starters over the past few weeks and the biggest question many are asking in this game where the BetUS sportsbook football betting line says they are three-point home favorites is whether or not he can have his starters playing sharp, playoff caliber football after such a long rest. Meanwhile, although the Giants could have rested starters last week, coach Coughlin listened to his team when they said they wanted a real shot at trying to be the team that ended New England’s quest for a perfect regular season in Week 17. He let them play and they almost did end the Patriots historic chain of victories, falling just short 38-35. We know the Giants are in playoff form and, if you bet on NFL and are planning to bet on the Buccaneers this weekend, you’d better trust that Gruden has his squad in the same frame of mind.
New York Giants +3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers –3
The Buccaneers have surprised many by winning the NFC South for the second time in three years. This is Gruden’s third divisional title in his six years at the helm of the Bucs. Considering that quarterback Jeff Garcia is the fifth QB to lead the team in passing yards over his six years, it is hard to doubt Gruden’s ability to bring a team together.
Garcia will be key, as usual this season, to the Buccaneers’ success in this game. His ability to run to his right, see the coverage on his receivers and either hit wide receiver Ike Hilliard on a slant or find WR Joey Galloway in man-to-man deep will be what separates this Tampa team from the Giants. Garcia has played smart, protective ball all season long and New York will have their hands full, especially with injuries that might slow down a couple of their corners.
NFL Wild Card Playoff: Sunday, January 6, 2008 at 1 p.m. EST
The Bucs running game took what was supposed to be a major blow when both Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman went down with injuries. But people who picked up Earnest Graham will tell you that their replacement has been no slouch down the stretch. He will attack the middle, where the Giants are weakest at stopping the run. If they bring up a safety, they will be exposed to Garcia and his arm. How the Giants deal with trying to stop the run while maintaining their secondary coverage will be the deciding factor in whether or not they can slow down the Bucs offense and possibly win this game.
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