NFL 2024/25: Buccaneers – Ravens
Who looks like Mr. T from the legendary A-Team when he looks grim and plows through opponents as if they were only knee-high hurdles? Exactly, Derrick Henry.
In my Buccaneers Ravens tip, I’m rooting for the running wonder of “Purple Pain,” who simply cannot be stopped. With their own 3-and-goal on Tuesday, you can probably guess who Lamar Jackson will give another run order to.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have exceeded many expectations with their 4-2 start. Actually, the Bucs could even be at 5-1 if it hadn’t been for that bitter overtime defeat in Week 5 against the Falcons.
Although they still managed to beat strong opponents, the bookmakers still don’t seem to trust them. Maybe this is an opportunity for you to bet on it?
The statistics speak for the Bucs in one respect: they rank 10th in offense and 13th in defense according to DVOA. They also have the eighth-best point differential in the NFL (+6.2 points).
Last week, they defeated the Saints and their overmatched rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler by an impressive 51-27. But, dear bettors, don’t be deceived – the game was closer than the score suggests until the last quarter.
The Buccaneers’ defense looked shaky at times and it was only when the Saints got tired that they were able to win the game so convincingly.
And that just goes to show that Tampa Bay, while solid, can’t prove that they belong among the NFL favorites for 2024 until they face an experienced quarterback like Lamar Jackson.
A look at the Baltimore Ravens shows that this team is particularly dangerous offensively. Lamar Jackson and Co. are currently second in the NFL in EPA per play and success rate per snap.
This is no coincidence, but the result of a perfectly coordinated offense that is now really starting to roll after a somewhat bumpy start.
While the Bucs looked good against inexperienced playmakers like Rattler, their aggressive defense could run into problems against a savvy quarterback like Jackson.
After all, Lamar is one of the best in the league when under pressure and makes life extremely difficult for blitz-heavy defenses with his accurate passing and quick legs.
The Buccaneers offense under new coordinator Liam Coen has also picked up steam. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is in good form and the interplay with pass receivers like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and rising star Cade Otton is bearing fruit.
The Bucs rank 7th in EPA per dropback and have the highest success rate per dropback (53.2%). This is a perfect fit for a dynamic offense that has scored plenty of points in the first few weeks.
But against Baltimore, it could be tricky, because the Ravens are not an opponent that can be easily outmaneuvered.
Even though the Ravens are no longer as dominant defensively as they were under former DC Mike Macdonald, who is now head coach in Seattle, this part of the team remains difficult to play against.
However, they currently lack a dangerous pass rush and takeaways (only five takeaways). This is certainly a point that Mayfield and Co. could exploit to expose weaknesses in the Ravens’ defense.
However, I still believe that Baltimore will come out on top in a close match.
In view of the Buccaneers Ravens odds and the really great Bet365 bonus, there is only one particular bet that I want to place with this bookmaker for this game.
It is a touchdown bet on Derrick Henry, who has scored at least one six-pointer in the opposing red zone every weekend since the start of the season – last week he even scored two!
Conclusion: According to my Ravens Buccaneers prediction, I am speculating on a victory for the guest team from Baltimore, coupled with a touchdown from Derrick Henry.
The Buccaneers have presented themselves excellently so far, but the dominant running game of the Ravens should push their defense to its limits. Henry in particular is currently hard to stop, and that could make the difference.
I expect a close game, but Baltimore has the decisive advantages on its side.
My tip: Ravens win & Derrick Henry scores a touchdown
