The Week 12 matchup on ‘Sunday Night Football’ features a significant clash between the Los Angeles Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET on November 26, 2023. The Rams, boasting an impressive record of 8-2, are currently tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the best record in the NFC and are riding a five-game winning streak. In their most recent game, they narrowly defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-19.
In contrast, the Buccaneers hold a 6-4 record, leading the NFC South but struggling with form, having lost three of their last four matches. Their most recent defeat came against the Buffalo Bills, where they fell short by a score of 44-32. Historically, the Rams have dominated this matchup, winning eight of the last ten encounters, including a postseason victory.
Injury Updates and Betting Odds
As the teams prepare for this critical game, the Buccaneers have ruled out running back Bucky Irving due to shoulder and foot injuries. On a more positive note, receiver Chris Godwin will be active for the first time since Week 5, which could provide a much-needed spark for the Tampa offense.
The latest betting odds position the Rams as 7-point home favorites, according to consensus from SportsLine. The over/under for total points scored is set at 49.5. For those considering the money line, Los Angeles stands at -368, meaning a stake of $368 would return $100, while Tampa Bay is listed at +290, indicating a potential profit of $290 for a $100 bet.
Performance Insights for Each Team
Despite their recent loss, the Buccaneers have a solid track record against the spread following a defeat, going 8-2 in such scenarios since the start of last season. Last week’s game against Buffalo showcased their scoring ability, as they managed to put up 32 points, their second-highest total of the season. With the Rams’ defense showing vulnerabilities, particularly in their pass rush—having not registered a sack in the past two games—Tampa’s offensive unit could find opportunities to exploit these weaknesses.
Conversely, the Rams are performing exceptionally well against the spread, with a 4-1 record during their current winning streak. Their recent success includes a well-rounded performance, with quarterback Matthew Stafford leading the NFL with 27 passing touchdowns. The Rams currently possess the No. 6 scoring offense and the No. 2 scoring defense, making them one of the few teams to rank within the top six in both categories. Additionally, they have a strong turnover differential of +10, underscoring their efficiency on both sides of the ball.
As the game approaches, bettors and fans alike are eager to see how both teams will adapt and perform. The SportsLine Projection Model has generated significant success, reporting over $7,000 in profits for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception. For those interested in making informed betting decisions, the model has simulated this matchup 10,000 times, projecting a total of 48 points and indicating that one side of the spread hits in nearly 60% of simulations.
With both teams aiming for playoff positioning, the outcome of this game will have implications beyond just a single week. The Rams will look to continue their momentum, while the Buccaneers will aim to turn their fortunes around as they prepare for a challenging contest under the bright lights.
