PackerNotes Staff Predictions: Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Green Bay Packers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and look to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Packers are coming off a tough loss to the Giants, while the Buccaneers have won two in a row. Both teams are 6-7, and significant playoff implications ride on this game. If the Packers want a legitimate shot at the playoffs, they need a win on Sunday.

Here are the staff predictions for the game.

PackersNotes Staff Prediction: Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Nov 27, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers helmet on the bench against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Malchow (6-6): Packers Over Buccaneers 27-21

The Buccaneers are 30th in the league defending the pass, giving up 264 yards a game. They are a top-ten team against the run, and I expect Matt LaFleur to come out attacking the secondary. The Bucs could also be without their stud corner, Carlton Davis, a DNP for three straight practices. The Packers and Jordan Love should get into a rhythm early and be primed for a big game.

You can’t sleep on this Buccaneers offense, but you never know which one you’re getting. The Packers and the infamous Joe Barry can not have communication issues and must always know where Mike Evans is. Evans has over 1,000 yards receiving for his 10th straight season; he’s a stud.

The Packers have had two run-ins with Baker Mayfield, and both the defense dominated. The Packers generated ten sacks and five interceptions in two games versus Mayfield. I hope they can keep that level of play this Sunday.

Jordan Love throws for three touchdowns, and the Packers get back in the win column.

Zach Weller (5-7): Packers Over Buccaneers 28-21

This isn’t the same Buccaneers team that won the Super Bowl a few years ago. Of course, there are some familiar faces, but much of what made this team so formidable has diminished. The Packers will need to take control of this game early.

On the season, Tampa has the upper hand in first half scoring. They are tied for 24th in the NFL, averaging 9.5 points in the first half. Green Bay is ranked 27th, averaging 8.3 points.

However, the Green Bay Packers have turned things around over the last three games, averaging 15.7 points in the first half. That is tied for 7th best with the Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, Tampa is averaging 9.7 points in the first half. Not much has changed for them.

Give me the Packers at home 28-21.

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