Grudge match. Ironically both quarterbacks have the same common enemy – the Cleveland Browns. For Baker Mayfield, it's about taking his frustrations out on the team that drafted him and later traded him. Even though things worked out nicely for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, he isn't one to let go of the past.
Like Pepperidge Farms, Mayfield remembers.
And there's a little extra motivation for Mayfield and the Bucs, who put together a clunker in Week 1. Four lost fumbles will do that to a team, especially when the quarterback is responsible for three of them. Mayfield won't forget that either, considering it was his first game after securing a new contract extension. Fortunately for Mayfield, he is not alone in this grudge match.
Deshaun
Watson is also facing off against the Browns, or at least the Browns fans anyway. He was not the quarterback of choice for the 'Dawg Pound” and with the home opener looming next week, this might be his last chance to keep the job. And let's not forget. Cleveland traded Mayfield away because it landed Watson. That worked out well, didn't it? The Browns handed Watson arguably the worst contract in NFL history after what was arguably the worst trade in NFL history. Again, that worked out well, didn't it?
So, for the first time since their 2022 offseason split, Watson and Mayfield will be on the same field as opponents. Mayfield is out for revenge, and Watson wants to silence the critics for at least one week. Here's a look at our picks for the contest in the 'Sunshine State.”
Browns at Buccaneers live odds
Updated Lines
- Spread: Buccaneers -8.5
- Moneyline: Buccaneers -420; Browns +350
- Over/Under: 41.5
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Browns at Buccaneers picks against the spread
Adam Kaufman: Buccaneers -8.5
The Buccaneers have failed to cover 10 straight games dating back to last season. Don't care. Baker Mayfield's been waiting for this one. Cleveland made him the first overall pick in 2018, watched him deliver a rare Browns playoff win, then shipped him out and handed Deshaun Watson $230 million guaranteed. Mayfield's now Tampa Bay's franchise quarterback and a two-time Pro Bowler. He lost his first shot at Cleveland while playing for Carolina. This time, he gets the Browns at home. There's no Myles Garrett to slow him down, and I'm betting Mayfield won't lose three fumbles again. Watson and the Browns managed one first down before halftime against Jacksonville. If Tampa Bay cleans up its own mistakes, Cleveland may struggle to score enough to stay within eight. Bucs in a rout.
Tom Viera: Buccaneers -8.5
Tampa Bay will roll at home against Cleveland, and Baker Mayfield's revenge adds even more fuel to the fire. Mayfield should be motivated to keep his foot on the gas against a Browns team that managed just 10 points in Week 1. Deshaun Watson has shown no sign that the offense is ready to turn things around, completing 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards with a touchdown and an interception while taking five sacks. Meanwhile, Emeka Egbuka looked healthy and productive, catching five passes for 63 yards for the Bucs. Tampa Bay should control this one from start to finish, with contributions from several players in their home opener, and win by double digits.
Nick Brinkerhoff: Buccaneers -8.5
If there's one thing we know about Baker Mayfield, it's that he turns it up a notch when he's angry. A new contract extension put out that fire in Week 1, but a matchup against his former team will certainly do the trick for the veteran signal-caller. Mayfield and the Bucs offense will make a statement against the lowly Browns, sending Cleveland back home with far more quarterback questions than answers ahead of its home opener.
Blake Schuster: Buccaneers -8.5
It already feels safe to say the tank is on in Cleveland. But, then again, when isn't it? The Browns somehow have four quarterbacks and don't trust a single one to run the offense better than Deshaun Watson, and that guy had a QBR of 40 in the season opener — in addition to all the other reasons not to play him. Baker Mayfield is going to make the Browns continue to regret giving up on him. If I'm being honest and he might cover this spread by himself.
Where to watch Browns at Buccaneers
- Matchup: Buccaneers vs. Browns
- Date: Sept. 20
- Time: 1 p.m.
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium
- Location: Tampa, Florida
- TV: CBS
NFL Week 2 Sunday picks, predictions, odds
- Saints at Ravens
- Vikings at Bears
- Packers at Jets
- Panthers at Falcons
- Bengals at Texans
- Steelers at Patriots
- Eagles at Titans
- Browns at Buccaneers
- Dolphins at 49ers
- Jaguars at Broncos
- Commanders at Cowboys
- Seahawks at Cardinals
- Raiders at Chargers
- Colts at Chiefs
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Buccaneers vs Browns spread predictions, odds for NFL Week 2 game
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