The first NFL Divisional Round playoff game on Sunday is a spectacular NFC matchup between the star-studded Los Angeles Rams and the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Bucs as Tom Brady & Co. look to keep their repeat hopes alive.

In Week 3, the Rams beat the visiting Bucs 34-24. Matthew Stafford threw for 343 yards and four touchdowns as he outdueled Tom Brady and the Buccaneers, who had their 10-game regular season and playoff winning streak snapped. Stafford was off-target on five of his first six attempts before getting in a groove as the Rams scored on their next six drives. Brady completed 41 of 55 passes for 432 yards and two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing). Mike Evans led the Bucs with 106 yards on eight receptions, while Chris Godwin added 74 yards on six catches, as well as his first career rushing touchdown. Godwin is now out for the season.

The Bucs were pretty banged up that night as their pass rush could have used Jason Pierre-Paul, who missed the game with multiple injuries, and their secondary was already missing Sean Murphy-Bunting before Jamel Dean left the game in the first half with a knee injury.

Sunday’s matchup will mark the third postseason game ever featuring two starting quarterbacks that each recorded at least 40 touchdown passes in the regular season. Both of the previous two games also featured either Brady or Stafford. Brady led the league with 43 touchdown passes, becoming the second player ever with three career seasons with at least 40 touchdown passes. Stafford tied a franchise record with a career-high 41 touchdown passes.

NitroBetting presents a comprehensive preview of the Rams vs. Buccaneers game down below. Find event details, team and player stats, the latest NFL betting odds, trends, and predictions.

Rams vs. Buccaneers Game Information

• When: Sunday, January 23, 2022, 3:00 PM ET
• Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
• TV: NBC
• Radio: ESPN LA 710 AM (Rams) / WXTB 97.9 FM Tampa (Buccaneers)
• Live Stream: NFL Network, NFL League Pass
• NFL Odds: Rams (+2) / Buccaneers (-2)

READ MORE: Bills vs. Chiefs 2022 NFL Divisional Round Odds, Preview & Pick

Why Bet on the Los Angeles Rams?

It’s a short week for the Rams as they pounded Arizona 34-11 on Monday – the first Monday night NFL playoff game. Stafford completed 13-of-17 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for a rare TD in his first-ever playoff win. Stafford’s 17 pass attempts were easily his fewest of the season, but the Rams jumped out to a quick 21-0 lead and they were running the ball well.

Receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had four receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown, and also completed a 40-yard pass to running back Cam Akers. Beckham became the first player in the Super Bowl era to complete a pass of at least 40 yards and catch a touchdown in the same postseason game. Cornerback David Long returned an interception 3 yards for a touchdown, the shortest interception returned for a score in NFL postseason history.

Regarding injuries, 40-year-old left tackle Andrew Whitworth was sidelined for most of Monday’s win over the Cardinals after suffering a leg injury on the team’s first offensive play. He’s in question.

Why Bet on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

With their 31-15 victory over Philadelphia last week, Tampa Bay has now scored at least 30 points in five consecutive postseason games, tied for the second-longest such streak in NFL history. With at least 30 points on Sunday, the Buccaneers will become the second team ever to score at least 30 points in six consecutive postseason games, joining the Saints (Jan. 16, 2010 – Jan. 14, 2012).

Brady completed 29-of-37 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns. Brady became the second starting quarterback in NFL history to lead multiple franchises to at least five postseason wins, joining Peyton Manning.

The NFC’s Super Bowl team has come from the NFC West or NFC South in eight of the past nine seasons, including appearances by the Rams in 2018 and Buccaneers last season.

As far as injuries go, right tackle Tristan Wirfs barely played vs. the Eagles with an ankle injury. He was a Pro Bowl selection this season. Center Ryan Jensen also was hurt but should play Sunday.

Rams vs. Buccaneers Betting Trends

• Rams are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 vs. NFC.
• Rams are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 games overall.
• The total went over in 4 of LA Rams’ last 6 games against an opponent in the National Football Conference South division.
• Buccaneers are 7-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Buccaneers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win.
• The total went over in 5 of Tampa Bay’s last 5 games against LA Rams.

Rams vs. Buccaneers Expert Betting Predictions

NFL Divisional Round Pick: Rams with the upset

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2022 NFL Regular Season. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.