NFL Betting Picks: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers

Added on Nov 18, 2010 by Jack Thurman in

NFL

NFL betting action on Sunday features a bi-coastal matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers. The Bucs are still short on skill position talent, but have been playing hard for head coach Raheem Morris. The Niners, meanwhile, have been a disappointment going 3-6 after being picked by many (myself included) to win the weak NFC West.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers
November 21, 2010 4:05 PM Pacific

Raheem Morris may be getting ahead of himself saying that Tampa Bay is the best team in the NFC, but they’re definitely heading in the right direction. They’re still not able to hang with the top level teams, but they are beating teams that they *should* beat through hard work and dogged determination. Their three losses have come to Pittsburgh, New Orleans and Atlanta. San Francisco might not technically be out of the playoff hunt, but despite winning two straight games aren’t playing particularly well. They’re starting third stringer Troy Smith who has played well, but the offense still isn’t clicking. In theory, Tampa Bay is a team that we might think of fading on the road but they’re 3-1 SU/4-0 ATS away from the ‘Cigar City’ in 2010. They’re currently on a 6-0 ATS run as road underdogs.

Josh Freeman may not have much to work with it, but he’s shown a lot of leadership and he’s got a strong arm and good athleticism. He’s also got an emerging running back in former Oregon standout LeGarrette Blount. San Francisco hasn’t exactly been winning big this season, or last season for that matter. The Niners are 1-6 ATS since last season as favorites. Never thought I’d say this about Raheem Morris–I spent most of last season pointing out how overmatched he was at the NFL level–but the Bucs may have the coaching edge. At the very least, Morris has the Bucs playing loose knowing that he’s got time to turn the team around while the Niners’ Singletary may need a miracle playoff berth and solid postseason run to save his job. That might not even be enough. Ultimately, we like Tampa’s work ethic and intensity and look for them to prevail in a low scoring game. We’ll likewise go Under the total–Bucs under in 9 of their last 12.

Bet Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 over San Francisco 49ers
Bet Tampa Bay/San Francisco UNDER 41′