Giants-Buccaneers best bets: Can Tampa bounce back on MNF?

Nearly a month has passed since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last won a football game, and they'll be looking to end that dubious streak against the pesky New York Giants, who have historically given Tom Brady trouble.

Here's how we're betting Giants-Bucs:

C Jackson Cowart: Brady under 296.5 passing yards

The Buccaneers are in a rut, and their one-time MVP favorite has been the culprit. Brady had one of the worst halves of his career in last week's loss to Washington, and he's now thrown for fewer than 300 yards in three of his last four starts and five of his nine games overall this season.

The best way to attack the Giants' defense isn't through the air but on the ground. New York ranks 30th in run defense DVOA but is 11th against the pass with 249.9 yards allowed per game, and it's held each of the last four opposing quarterbacks to fewer than 300 yards.

With the Giants' offense unlikely to put much pressure on the Bucs' vaunted defense, expect Brady and Co. to take a more conservative approach in a clear bounce-back spot, which should mean yet another modest stat line for the 44-year-old passer.

Alex Moretto: Over 50

I do believe the Giants are live here - Daniel Jones flourishes both as a 'dog and on the road, and he's got close to a full complement of weapons here. That being said, the Bucs have been virtually untouchable at home this season. Offensively, they've had their way in Tampa, while the Giants' defense has struggled when stepping up in class.

I expect the Bucs' offense to get theirs, and with Brady angry following back-to-back losses, they'll keep their foot on the gas regardless of the score. Whether or not the Giants keep pace and cover, they can certainly do their part to contribute to the over.

After dealing with a rash of injuries all season, everyone but Sterling Shepard is back for the Giants' offense. Saquon Barkley's return couldn't have come at a better time, as the Bucs will be without monster run-stopper Vita Vea. Jones will be able to move this offense up and down the field in a game that could become something of a track meet.

Matt Russell: Giants +11.5

Can I pass on this game?

Full disclosure: I have the Buccaneers in a big survivor contest, so you can understand why I don't care about anything in this game beyond a Bucs win.

That said, there's a universe where I have no bias and would be on the Giants getting double digits on the road. The part of me that's hoping for a Tampa Bay outright win is concerned about the combination of Barkley being back and Vea being out of the anchor position in the Bucs' defensive line. Maybe we find a middle here with a 10-point Tampa win.

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