The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will look to move to 3-0 as they host a New York Jets team facing serious questions heading into their Week 3 showdown.
New York’s performance in Week 2 doesn’t give me hope that it can compete with a solid team on the road, so I’m taking Tampa Bay to cover in my Jets vs. Buccaneers predictions.
Let’s take an early look at what we can expect in this Week 3 matchup as I break down my free NFL picks for Sunday, September 21.
Jets vs Buccaneers predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early Jets vs Buccaneers spread pick: Buccaneers -6.5
For all the optimism following a tight Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, there’s just as much pessimism after a comprehensive 30-10 defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. The New York Jets looked lost from start to finish, and quarterback Justin Fields had one of the worst days of his career after providing one of his best a week prior.
The Jets may well be without Fields for Week 3, as he ended up in the concussion protocol on Sunday. But whether New York rolls out Fields or Tyrod Taylor, they’ll have a tough time contending with a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that has found ways to win on the road in its first two games.
Baker Mayfield has looked great over the first two weeks, throwing for five touchdowns and no interceptions. There’s no reason to expect regression in Week 3 against a Jets defense that has been torched for 64 points.
The Bucs have played just well enough to win on both sides of the ball, but that will be more than enough against the Jets. I like Tampa Bay to cover a spread of a touchdown or less.
Early Jets vs Buccaneers total pick: Under 44.5
The Buccaneers have hit the Under in each of their first two games. Their defense has been solid against the run, allowing just 153 rushing yards in two games, while they’ve faced two teams that aren’t great at moving the ball through the air.
But Tampa Bay’s offense hasn’t been generating all that much, either. While Mayfield has gotten the ball in the end zone, he’s only thrown for 328 yards in two weeks, and leading rusher Bucky Irving is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry.
The Bucs might find more success against a Jets defense that ranks 28th in defensive EPA per play. However, it’s harder to see how New York will contribute much to the total.
Whether Fields or Taylor is behind center, the Jets are averaging just 6.8 yards per passing attempt, and after a great Week 1, Breece Hall only moved the ball 29 yards on 10 carries against Buffalo.
Assuming Tampa Bay doesn’t run wild, I can’t see New York adding enough points to hit the Over. The Under is the play, though I’d be wary if the number starts trending downward during the week.
Jets vs Buccaneers odds
- Jets vs. Buccaneers spread: Buccaneers -6.5
- Jets vs. Buccaneers moneyline: Jets +270, Buccaneers -335
- Jets vs. Buccaneers Over/Under: 44.5
How to watch Jets vs Buccaneers
- Jets vs. Buccaneers matchup
- Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025, 1:00 p.m. ET
- City: Tampa Bay, FL
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium
- TV: FOX
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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