The New York Jets play host to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their third game of the 2023 NFL preseason in what will be a matchup that is telltale for both teams. And with so much on the line, we thought it was only right to drop some Jets vs. Buccaneers predictions.
Some are hesitant to invest in the latest odds on the NFL when we’re still in preseason mode. We understand the skepticism. But the third exhibition is typically more like a regular-season meeting. Teams will begin games with their starters and play them for a touch longer. That gives us a better idea of what to expect—and, by extension, how to bet.
Before we go any further, here’s a look at the most current Jets vs. Buccaneers betting odds for their matchup on Saturday, August 19, at 7:30 p.m. EST on the turf of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey:
As always, please remember to double-check these NFL online betting odds until you actually submit your wager. Our Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Jets betting odds are accurate entering Wednesday, August 16. This gives the best online sportsbooks in the United States plenty of time to make adjustments ahead of opening kick-off on Saturday night.
For this game in particular, we would expect some significant movement on the moneyline as well as the NFL point spread betting lines. We are still waiting for news on whether key members of the Jets wide receiving core will suit up, and star quarterback Aaron Rodgers currently remains a question mark as well.
Granted, this uncertainty doesn’t appear to be hurting New York’s chances. Linemakers have the Jets as odds-on favorites to beat the Bucs. Is that the right call? Let’s explore.
Why The New York Jets are Favored to Beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs initially opened as slight favorites to beat the Jets before seeing their line shift in the wrong direction. This likely happened for two reasons.
First and foremost, the opening action probably misperceived their first preseason performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Though the Bucs lost 27-17, they were actually trailing 27-7 for most of that contest and couldn’t generate any sort of traction on third down. And then there’s the little matter of Tampa Bay’s quarterback battle.
Following the retirement of Tom Brady, they’re reportedly choosing between Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask. Of the two, neither stood out against Pittsburgh. Trask was probably better overall, going for six completions, 99 yards and an interception. Mayfield, by comparison, finished with eight completions, 63 yards and touchdown. That’s not a banner stat line for either QB, and it has many doubting whether the Bucs’ offense will be able to move the chains on Saturday. Especially when their top two receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, are once again expected to sit out the festivities.
The Jets, meanwhile, are working off a rollicking 27-0 victory over the Carolina Panthers in their second preseason game. Their defense has looked great through both exhibitions, and Zach Wilson looks increasingly uncomfortable under center. At the moment, New York looks like the more dangerous team at both ends of the field.
OSB Predictions: New York Jets (-140)
Will The Bucs be Able to Keep Things Close as They Search for Their New Starting Quarterback?
Here are the latest NFL point spread betting odds for Bucs vs. Jets on Saturday night:
- New York Jets, -2.5 (-115)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2.5 (-105)
Our initial inclination is to pick the Jets to easily cover this spread. But we’re also not entirely sold.
For starters, Aaron Rodgers is not expected to play again. He aggravated his calf injury at a recent practice, ironically against the Buccaneers. We’d be shocked if he takes the field. The Jets also aren’t expected to have new running back Dalvin Cook on the field, either. Their weapons will be unproven from top to bottom, and while Wilson is working off a strong performance against Carolina, he’s far from a beacon of consistency.
Ultimately, we still trust the Jets to get the job done. Even if their passing game stalls, their offensive line has been able to open up huge gaps for rookie running back Israel Abanikanda. They will not be without the resources to score.
OSB Prediction: New York Jets, -2.5 (-115)
Are Oddsmakers Too Low on the Jets and Bucs Preseason Offenses?
Below you can see the latest NFL over/under betting odds for Tampa Bay vs. New York:
- Over 36.5 (-110)
- Under 36.5 (-110)
Linemakers continue defaulting to low-scoring totals for preseason football. We get it. Preseason competitions can get really ugly. But both the Jets and Bucs each cleared 20 points in their previous contest. Setting a sub-37 point total feels like an overcorrection.
Perhaps we’re overestimating how much each offense will be able to move the ball. Again: Both sides are rolling with unproven arms at the quarterback position. That absolutely matters. At the same time, even if it’s not pretty, we’ve reached the point of the preseason in which teams want to experiment with their bigger-yardage plays. Both New York and Tampa Bay should be looking to take chances down the field. It’s possible these teams end up totaling closer to 50 points than they do 35. We're taking the over, and we feel pretty darn good about it.
OSB Prediction: Over 36.5 (-110)
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