With the NFL heading into week three of the season, by far the most anticipated matchup is Green Bay visiting Tampa Bay. Not only are these two of the favorites to win the NFC but it’s the fifth matchup between two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Who isn’t highly anticipating Brady vs. Rodgers for the fifth time in their careers? Brady has a 3-1 advantage against Rodgers and Green Bay in his career but this week could play out to be a challenging one for the Buccaneers.
Wide Receiver Struggles
Tampa Bay will be without Mike Evans as he serves his one game suspension for starting a fight with Marshon Lattimore last week in New Orleans. Not only will the Bucs be without their number one target on offense but things are leading towards Chris Godwin and Julio Jones being out as well. Both have been non participants this week with a hamstring and knee injury respectively. There is a possibility that they both do in fact play but their effectiveness has now come into question. Even with quality players still at the position with Russell Gage, Scotty Miller, and Breshard Perriman the Bucs will sorely be needing a strong performance from one of these three outside.
Green Bay has had their own offensive struggle so far this season as well. Young receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs have shown to be capable but Rodgers is still trying to find a rapport with his young wide outs. Off season signing Sammy Watkins has been their number one target through two weeks but everyone behind him has been average at best.
Offensive Line
Both teams as well have offensive lines that have been struggling so far this season. David Bakhtiari practiced for the first time this week today, while Tampa has had a revolving door of lineman playing so far.
What To Expect Come Sunday
With all this in mind this game is shaping up to be the lowest scoring game of the weekend. Everyone’s expectation for Tampa is to play a heavy game this week. Leonard Fournette has been the workhorse he always has been and nothing is going to change this week. With the top three receivers out for Tampa, Fournette will play an even greater role for Tampa.
Jaire Alexander will likely be man on man against Breshad Perriman with Eric Stokes and Rashan Gary on the other side of the ball playing their style of cover two with Darnell Savage over the top.
On the other side of the ball Green Bay will hopefully be able to figure their kinks out but it is a tough task to ask going up against the second best defense in the NFL this season in Tampa Bay. Tampa has forced six urnovers so far and only allowed 13 points. They also have sacked the quarterback ten times which will prove to be a struggle for Green Bay.
As of today, Tampa Bay is one point favorite but as the game approaches the line is going to shift towards Green Bay if and when Godwin and Jones are ruled out. Even with that said I expect this Brady vs. Rodgers matchup to end 4-1 for the GOAT after a hard fought win in Tampa.
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