Experts share their picks for the Patriots Week 10 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Mike Reiss, ESPN:
Pick: Buccaneers 23, Patriots 20
This doesn't look like an ideal spot for the Patriots, playing their 10th game in a row as injuries are mounting, while the Buccaneers are coming off their bye. It wouldn't be a surprise if it comes down to the fourth quarter, where both teams have played some of their best football this season.
Stephania Bell, ESPN: Patriots
Matt Bowen, ESPN: Buccaneers
Mike Clay, ESPN: Patriots
Chris Fowler, ESPN: Buccaneers
Dan Graziano, ESPN: Buccaneers
Kalyn Kahler, ESPN: Patriots
Pamela Maldonado, ESPN: Patriots
Eric Moody, ESPN: Patriots
Jason Reid, ESPN: Buccaneers
Lindsey Thiry, ESPN: Buccaneers
Seth Wickersham, ESPN: Buccaneers
NFL.com
Ali Bhanpuri, NFL.com: Patriots 24, Buccaneers 23
Brooke Cersosimo, NFL.com: Buccaneers 25, Patriots 22
Dan Parr, NFL.com: Patriots 23, Buccaneers 21
Gennaro Filice, NFL.com: Buccaneers 28, Patriots 23
Tom Blair, NFL.com: Buccaneers 25, Patriots 22
Why Dan picked the Patriots: In a battle between two squads that seem evenly matched, it's tough for me to pick against a team that's at home and coming off a bye, but YOLO. The week off gave the Buccaneers a chance to rest. Yet, they are still far from full strength due to injuries, and Baker Mayfield was not playing his best prior to the break. Meanwhile, the Patriots have won six games in a row and are making history on both sides of the ball. Despite some up-and-down pass protection, Drake Maye has posted 200-plus pass yards and a passer rating of 100 or better in each of his last eight games, which is tied for the longest such streak within a season in NFL history. On defense, New England has not allowed a running back to reach 50 rush yards in a game, the longest streak to begin a season by any team in the Super Bowl era. I respect Tampa Bay's grit, but I'm not sure it has enough healthy firepower on offense to prevail in this one.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports:
Pick: Buccaneers 30, Patriots 24
This is the best game of the week, with both teams legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The Bucs are coming off a bye, which they needed. They are getting healthier. It's also nice to be at home. Baker Mayfield will outplay Drake Maye to win it as the Bucs snap the Patriots' winning streak.
Cody Benjamin, CBS Sports: Buccaneers
Jared Dubin, CBS Sports: Patriots
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: Buccaneers
John Breech, CBS Sports: Buccaneers
Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports: Buccaneers
Dave Richard, CBS Sports: Buccaneers
Jamey Eisenburg, CBS Sports: Buccaneers
Pro Football Talk
Mike Florio: Buccaneers 27, Patriots 24
Chris Simms: Patriots 27, Buccaneers 24
Paul Perillo, Patriots.com:
Pick: Buccaneers 24, Patriots 20
Pats fall just short after late Baker Mayfield drive ends winning streak at six.
Mike Dussault, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 28, Buccaneers 27
The Bucs are an excellent challenge for the Patriots on both sides of the ball, but Tampa's injuries are significant and could very well be the difference in the game. Patriots get it done in thrilling fashion with another one-point win.
Evan Lazar, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 23, Buccaneers 20
This might be my heart picking more than my brain, but the Bucs injuries on offense are worrisome for Tampa Bay. Their offense hasn't looked the same over their last two games without Evans, Godwin, and Irving. The Patriots have just enough offense to get a W.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
