Xam’s Gem(s):
Eagles/Buccaneers Over 44.5 Points -105
The Eagles scored 34 points in their last game and have had extra time to prepare their offensive attack tonight. Tampa hasn’t been bad this year defensively, but they haven’t faced an offense like Philly’s yet. The Bucs dropped 27 points in their last game, and Philly’s defense has struggled at times this year. The Eagles should do plenty on offense which means Baker Mayfield and company will be forced to keep up. Either they will take advantage of an iffy secondary, or they’ll turn the ball over and give the Eagoles short fields.
Bengals Money Line -172
Joe Burrow may not be 100% in this game, but he’s going to give it a go tonight. Simply put, Cincinnati’s entire season is on the line. Fall to 0-3 and your chances of making the playoffs is virtually nonexistent. Expect a heavy ground game with Joe Mixon, and expect Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to be involved early and often. The Rams were gashed by the 49ers last week in their own building. The Rams have some questions in the secondary, and this is not the team you want to face with a questionable secondary.
Rangers Money Line -188
The Rangers are trying their best to scratch and claw their way to a division title and a bye in the wildcard round of the playoffs. They are facing a team that has given up in the Angels, who are 2-8 in their last 10 games. Jon Gray hasn’t been particularly good lately, but the last time he faced the Angels, he went 7 innings and gave up only 1 run. This is a lineup that is simply depleted, and Gray shouldn’t face much resistance tonight. Patrick Sandoval has struggled in his own right, and in his last start against the Rangers, he gave up 5 runs and couldn’t make it out of the 3rd inning.
Xam’s Prop(s):
A.J. Brown Over 4.5 Receptions -166
This has the feelings of a get right game for Brown. In their last game, Brown was apparently frustrated with his lack of touches in the passing game. He was seen on the sidelines getting into it with teammates. Jalen Hurts will surely want to get his number 1 target involved early and often. Tampa Bay doesn’t have the secondary to really challenge him, and he should get back to his usual dominant self tonight.
D’Andre Swift Over 53.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards -114
All Swift did in his last game was rush for 175 yards. It helped that Kenneth Gainwell was inactive, but Swift was brought in via a trade in the offseason for a reason. He showed too much explosiveness to not be used heavily again tonight. The Bucs have also given up 4 receptions to running backs so far this year.
Matthew Stafford Over 247.5 Passing Yards -110
Stafford has thrown for at least 307 yards in both games this year, and the Rams don’t run the ball particularly well. Stafford seems to be healthy and has plenty of confidence. We also know head coach Sean McVay loves to throw the ball. Lamar Jackson threw for almost 240 yards last week. Stafford should be protected enough to throw the ball downfield like he has the first two weeks of the year.