The Green Bay Packers have a massive chance to get their record back to even this week, facing an 0-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad that’s missing starting quarterback Baker Mayfield due to a thumb injury. Seriously, talk about an open door for the Packers’ offense to finally find its rhythm against a struggling team.
A Golden Opportunity Against a Shorthanded Foe
It’s no secret the Packers, currently sitting at 1-2, need a win. And man, the Bucs are handing them a silver platter. Not only are Tampa Bay looking for their first win at 0-3, but they are also without their starting signal-caller. We saw Jalon Daniels #10 under center for a pass attempt in his NFL debut just last week against the Minnesota Vikings, so a rookie is likely taking over from Mayfield. FanDuel Sportsbook knows what’s up, pegging the Packers as early 3.5-point favorites, and that line has stayed put all week. You gotta love seeing the books confident in Green Bay when they need it most.
What’s With That Wildly Low Total Points Line?
Alright, so the Packers are favored, cool. But check THIS out: the total points line for this game is set at a shockingly low 38.5. Let that sink in. This isn’t some meaningless Week 18 game where teams are resting starters, like last season when the Packers’ total points line was 36.5 against the Vikings. No, this is early season, and it’s practically screaming that the books are expecting a defensive slugfest or just a plain anemic offensive showing. Last season, only one other game for Green Bay, Week 17 against the Ravens, matched this 38.5 line. Every other game was in the 40s! Even going back to 2024, only one game had a lower expected total , Malik Willis’ second start for an injured Jordan Love had a 37.5-point total. The crazy part? The Packers still dropped 30 points in that one, beating the Tennessee Titans 30-14. So what gives this week? Are they expecting a complete offensive shutdown, or does it just underline how rough the Bucs’ situation is without Mayfield?
This Sunday’s matchup isn’t just another game for Green Bay, it’s a chance to hit reset. Getting back to a .500 record against a struggling, shorthanded Bucs team could be the spark the Packers need to kickstart their season. Will that low 38.5 total line be a prophecy of a defensive battle, or will Green Bay’s offense defy the odds like they did against the Titans in 2024? Everyone’s got their picks: Tex and Zach are taking the Packers straight-up, against the spread, and the Under. Paul agrees on the Packers winning and covering, but he’s eyeing the Over. The stage is set for a gritty game, and the Packers have everything to gain.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Acme Packing Company.
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