Which staff member will nail their prediction this week?
As the Bucs get ready to play the Jaguars on Sunday, we here at Bucs Nation are ready to drop some predictions for Week 16.
Tampa Bay is currently a 1-point favorite via DraftKings Sportsbook. Our staff weighs in with their predictions for the Bucs game and picks for the rest of the NFL’s Week 16 games.
Staff Predictions
Gil Arcia: Godwin Becomes the Favorite
Baker Mayfield and the Bucs offense has been clicking together much better as of late. Largely because Chris Godwin has been rediscovered. Could that be because of what transpired a short time ago when his wife voiced her displeasure on social media? We’ll never truly know that but the offense has been looking much better. Anyhow, look for Godwin to be heavily involved again in a somewhat primetime afternoon spot on Christmas Eve. Two touchdowns and around 150 yards for No. 14.
James Yarcho: Baking Up Another Treat
Okay, by now everyone has heard about Baker Mayfield’s historic performance against the Packers. It led him to be named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week, the FedEx Air Player of the Week, and the Nickelodeon NVP for the week. But, the question remains, how is he going to follow that up against a Jaguars defense that’s susceptible to the pass? It’ll be with another 350+ passing yards and tacking on three touchdowns. That’s how.
Mike Kiwak: ‘Tis the Season for Giving
On Christmas Eve, the Jags will embody the spirit of the season. I think their own defense will be stingier than normal as they try to keep the team from completely spiraling, but their offense will falter. The Bucs will force 3 turnovers to give Baker Mayfield and Co. the short fields required for the razor-thin victory — their fourth in a row.
Will Walsh: Rachaad White’s dominance continues
Bucs’ running back Rachaad White has been on quite a streak as of late. Over the last four games, White hasn’t been beneath 84 yards rushing or four yards per carry. The Bucs have to be feeling good about their decision to hand White the reins this year and about their future at the running back position.
Evan Wanish: Bucs give a gift to their fans
I will admit, I have had my doubts about this team. Heck, I called their season over a month and a half ago, but this team is on a roll right now and I don’t think it slows down this week. These two teams are headed in two different directions with Tampa winning three straight and Jacksonville losing three straight. The Bucs take advantage of C.J. Beathard or a less than 100% Trevor Lawrence and force a few turnovers to win a close one on Christmas Eve.