Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Green Bay Packers: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The 9-0 Green Bay Packers are set to host the 4-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in a game that looks to have blow-out potential on paper. The Packers haven't slowed down since winning the Super Bowl last season—they've mowed down all their opponents.

Unquestionably the biggest reason for the Packers' success has been quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Perhaps no quarterback in the history of football has been better than Rodgers is right now.  He routinely dissects defenses with laser-like precision.

Much was expected of the young Bucs this season after they narrowly missed the playoffs last year. While the Buccaneers started the season well, they have lost three consecutive games in uninspiring fashion, as they seem to be struggling in every aspect.

With the two teams seemingly going in different directions, this one has Green Bay domination written all over it. The Buccaneers did upset the Packers two seasons ago, though, so perhaps they have the formula that other teams simply don't.

Where: Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisc.

When: Sunday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. EDT

Watch: FOX; WTVT FOX 13 (Tampa Bay) and FOX 11 (Green Bay)

Spread: Green Bay (-14.5)

With the way the Packers have been playing, I would be inclined to take them regardless of the spread. That is certainly the case this week, as they should easily be able to cover the 14.5-point line against the Buccaneers, provided they continue playing the way they have.

Green Bay's defense had been susceptible against the pass prior to last week, but Tampa's offense has been so inconsistent that I doubt it can do much damage. And it most certainly won't be able to get into a track meet with the Packers.

Over/Under: 48.5

As far as over/unders go, 48.5 is a fairly high number, but the Packers routinely come close to scoring that many points on their own. With the way Tampa's defense has been playing in every aspect lately, I wouldn't be shocked to see Green Bay eclipse 48.5 points.

You still have to take the Bucs' production into account, though, and as long as they can score between 10 and 17 points, I think this game is an easy over. The Pack will win big, but the Buccaneers will get at least some offense in.

Buccaneers Key Injuries

Questionable: LB Dekoda Watson (groin), DB Tanard Jackson (hamstring)

Probable: QB Josh Freeman (thumb), TE Kellen Winslow (undisclosed), DL Michael Bennett (groin), DL Frank Okam (calf), DL Albert Haynesworth (knee)

Packers Key Injuries

Questionable: LB Clay Matthews (ankle), LB Frank Zombo (hamstring), DL Mike Neal (knee)

Probable: RB Ryan Grant (knee), DB Morgan Burnett (hand)

Fantasy Big Plays

QB Aaron Rodgers (GB): Rodgers is an automatic start on a weekly basis, but he has major potential on Sunday against Tampa's 28th-ranked pass defense. Rodgers routinely goes for over 300 yards and three touchdowns against passable defenses, but his numbers could be something special against the Bucs' porous secondary.

WR Greg Jennings (GB): With Rodgers going off in all likelihood, at least one Packer receiver is going to have a huge game. Greg Jennings is the logical choice as he is Rodgers' main target.

He already has 755 yards and seven touchdowns through nine games. Jennings should be great again on Sunday.

eys to Buccaneers Win

If Tampa's defense continues to play the way it has in recent weeks, then the Bucs don't really stand a chance of beating the Packers on Sunday. In addition to the defense tightening up, the Bucs have to be very deliberate and almost agonizingly slow on offense.

Giving Rodgers the ball for long stretches of time is like a death sentence.

That is why the Bucs must employ a ball-control offense that features running back LeGarrette Blount heavily. The Packers are good against the run, but the Bucs have to stay committed because keeping the Packers' defense on the field is their only hope.

Keys to Packers Win

If the Packers essentially keep doing what they have been on offense, then there is no reason why they shouldn't beat the Bucs.

Rodgers is a machine, and it seems unlikely that Tampa Bay will be able to slow him down. While it isn't necessary, the Packers may also want to consider establishing James Starks and the running game against Tampa's 29th-ranked run defense.

The Packers made big strides defensively last week, and they'll want to continue that momentum against the Buccaneers' struggling offense. Pass defense has been an issue for Green Bay, but the problem seemed to be rectified against the Vikings.

If the Packers' defense is stout again on Sunday, it will be a great confidence boost moving forward.

Prediction

Packers 38, Buccaneers 17