NFL WEEK 6
GREG COTE’S THURSDAY PICK
BUCCANEERS (4-1) at EAGLES (2-3)
Line: TB by 7.
Cote’s pick: TB 24-20.
TV: 8:20 p.m. Thursday, Fox/NFL.
Tom Brady had his way last week with an excruciatingly disappointing Dolphins defense, topping 400 passing yards with five TDs in the same game for — this surprised me — the first time in an incomparable career. He will have it tougher in this Week 6 kickoff Thursday night, on short rest, in a tough road venue, and against an Eagles D that’s top five vs. the pass. (Brady also is dealing with a mildly sprained thumb on his throwing hand). On the other side, Jalen Hurts’ dual threat — he’s second only to Lamar Jackson in QB rushing yards — will somewhat neutralize Tampa’s strong edge in between-the-tackles run defense. Bucs have failed to cover the spread in seven straight prime-time games, and the total has gone under in 13 of the past 17 Philly home games. It should again here, with the total feeling high at 52 1/2. Phils’ D has been quite good in three of five games thus far, and we’re counting on that again, at home with a prime-time boost. See big defense by the Birds, Hurts capitalizing on a depleted TB secondary, and a tough, inside the bet-line win for Brady.
[Note: Betting line courtesy Caesars Sportsbook as of midday Wednesday.]
