If things weren’t already bad enough for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in NFL betting, now they have lost starting quarterback Josh Freeman to injury.
The second-year quarterback hurt his thumb in Saturday’s win over Kansas City. He is expected to miss the rest of the preseason but those making an NFL bet should be aware that he might be ready for the regular season opener against Cleveland.
NFL betting odds at the Sbg global sportsbook actually favor Tampa Bay in their regular season opener as they host the Cleveland Browns. You may want to take a shot with the Browns at plus three in that game. Even if Freeman plays he won’t have had much practice time or playing time.
Freeman has a small fracture in his thumb but the Bucs think he will be ready for the season opener. The Bucs might actually be better off with back up Josh Johnson although no one will say so. Freeman is not that great and Johnson has looked good. He threw a TD last week as did third string quarterback Rudy Carpenter.
Tampa with Freeman: The Bucs were 3-6 last season in the nine games that Freeman started. Tampa is not going to be very good this season even if Freeman is healthy. They actually might have more value if he is out.
When a starting quarterback is out the odds move quite a bit and the value with an NFL bet can sometimes be on the team who is injured.
This Week: Tampa Bay hosts Jacksonville in preseason action on Saturday. With Freeman being out there is not much doubt that bettors will jump on the Jaguars. Remember though about going against a team with an injury.
The Bucs proved last week with Johnson and Carpenter that they have quarterbacks who can move the ball and the Jaguars are not a great team. The Bucs might be worth a look if the line moves against them this week.
The Future: Young quarterbacks need to get playing time to improve. The loss of preseason playing time is a huge blow to Freeman and the Bucs. He needed the reps and the practice. The Bucs don’t have a veteran quarterback behind Freeman so they are going to struggle, period.