NFL Picks: Preseason Week 3 Ravens vs Buccaneers

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As we inch closer to the 2023 NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to lock horns in what promises to be a thrilling preseason finale. While the Ravens will be itching to bounce back from their narrow 29-28 loss, breaking their 24-game preseason win streak, the Buccaneers are looking to mark the commencement of a post-Tom Brady era with a victory.

BUSR NFL Lines:

• Spread: Ravens +1.5 (-110), Buccaneers -1.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Ravens +108, Buccaneers -131
• Total: Ravens O 36.5 (-110), Buccaneers U 36.5 (-110)

Buccaneers’ Quest to Uphold Legacy in Post-Brady Era

It’s the end of an era at Tampa Bay with Tom Brady, their Super Bowl-winning quarterback, announcing his retirement. The team’s trajectory over the last three years has been commendable, and now with Baker Mayfield as their offensive fulcrum, expectations are rife. Nonetheless, for this particular preseason showdown, the Bucs will rely on the prowess of John Wolford and Kyle Trask.

Protection issues for the quarterback position loomed large last year. Consequently, all eyes will be glued to rookie Cody Mauch, Justin Skule, and Nick Leverett to ensure enhanced protection.

Defensively, the Buccaneers will hope to emulate or better their last season’s feat where they gave away just 21.1 points per game. With the secondary being a point of contention, cornerbacks Dee Delaney and Zyon McCollum, coupled with safety Nolan Turner, are expected to be the torchbearers in the final preseason game.

Ravens Aiming for an Offensive Resurgence

Last year, despite navigating their way into the playoffs, the Ravens’ offensive lineup witnessed turbulence. The injury to their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson, meant they could muster an average of only 20.6 points per game, plummeting to a mere 13 points in the concluding five matches. However, the new season comes with a fresh lease of life. With Jackson signing an extended deal and returning to the fold, hopes are soaring high.

Yet, as the final preseason match unfolds, the spotlight won’t just be on Jackson. Instead, it will pivot to Tyler Huntley and seasoned backup, Josh Johnson. And while Mark Andrews is expected to continue his tight end exploits, fans and pundits alike will be eager to see if rookie Zay Flowers, alongside veterans Devin Duvernay and Tylan Wallace, can elevate the passing game.

The Ravens’ defense, on the other hand, has been their silver lining, having conceded a commendable 18.5 points per game in the past season. The predicament now is on identifying who among Brent Urban and Travis Jones can create that much-needed interior pressure. Additionally, with Marlon Humphrey requiring assistance, the cornerback spot remains a contentious one. This makes the performance of Arthur Maulet, Rock Ya-Sin, and Damarion Williams crucial in determining their reliability as starters.

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The stage is set for a riveting contest. The Ravens, having tasted defeat in their last outing, will be keen to rediscover their winning ways. If the recent match where they garnered 28 points is anything to go by, the Buccaneers’ defense might have their task cut out. Tyler Huntley and Josh Johnson, with their ability to find receivers downfield and execute swift passes, could be pivotal. On the defensive front, the likes of Brent Urban and Travis Jones will be eager to cause havoc in the Buccaneers’ offensive plans.

Given the dynamics, it seems that the Ravens could hold the edge, potentially offering favorable odds as road underdogs. For those who analyze NFL Odds, it might be worthwhile considering the Ravens at +1.5 as road underdogs. A fascinating contest beckons as both teams vie to make a statement before the grand 2023 NFL showdown begins.