Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Giants Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 24th 2024

Preview and Prediction

After enduring a grueling stretch of games, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have finally reached their bye week. This will give the team a chance to rest and recharge before they hit the road on Sunday to face the New York Giants. The Buccaneers are hoping to end their four-game losing streak, but the Giants are also struggling with a five-game losing streak of their own. It's a battle of two teams in transition, and both are in desperate need of a win.

Just a month ago, the Buccaneers were sitting at a comfortable two games over .500 and were in contention for the NFC South lead. However, they have since suffered four consecutive losses to the Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers. The Giants, on the other hand, have had a rough season with a record of 2-8 and are also coming off a bye week.

The Giants have made a significant change at quarterback, with Tommy DeVito set to make his first start of the season and seventh of his two-year career. This decision comes after the Giants announced the benching of Daniel Jones following an overtime loss to the struggling Carolina Panthers. DeVito, also known as "Tommy Cutlets," has a career passer rating of 89.2 with eight touchdowns and three interceptions. He has a record of 3-3 as a starter and has shown potential to spark the team.

Giants coach Brian Daboll acknowledged that these types of decisions are never easy, but ultimately they chose DeVito due to his previous success in creating a spark for the team. He had been the third-string quarterback but was chosen over backup Drew Lock. DeVito will have to handle the pressure of facing a potent Buccaneers offense, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield and a committee of running backs.

The Giants' offense will rely heavily on running back Tyrone Tracy, who has 545 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Rookie Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton will also be key targets for DeVito, especially against a Buccaneers pass defense that has allowed 20 aerial scores this season, ranking fifth worst in the NFL. However, the Giants have excelled in red-zone defense and rank second in sacks with 36.

The Buccaneers have been a dominant force on offense, passing for over 300 yards and rushing for 100 or more yards in four different games this season. Mayfield has been a key contributor, ranking third in the NFL in touchdown passes (24), total touchdowns (26), and fifth in passer rating (103.6). The Buccaneers could also see the return of wide receiver Mike Evans, who has been out with a hamstring injury since Week 7.

On the Giants' side, Slayton is recovering from a concussion and was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. However, cornerback Zyon McCollum, who left the 49ers game with a hamstring injury, did not practice. All-Pro left tackle Tristin Wirfs, who sprained his MCL in the 49ers game, worked with trainers on the sideline and his status for Sunday is uncertain.

Both teams are dealing with injuries and key players potentially being out for Sunday's game. It will be a close call for Evans and McCollum to play, according to Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles. Giants outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux was also limited in practice on Wednesday due to a wrist injury.

In the end, it will be a battle of two struggling teams trying to turn their seasons around. The Buccaneers will have to rely on their potent offense, while the Giants will look to their strong red-zone defense and pass rush. It will be a close and competitive game, and both teams will be fighting for a much-needed win. Only time will tell who will come out on top in this matchup between the Buccaneers and Giants.

PREDICTION

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

24

18

New York Giants