Both the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered this year with high hopes. Tampa, the perennial power in the NFC South, looked to continue its divisional dominance. New York, armed with a new head coach and new quarterback, looked to set a new standard in the post-Aaron Rodgers era. The Buccos appear to be on the right path, starting 2-0, while the Jets have stumbled to an 0-2 start.
The Buccaneers are favored by 6.5 points and hold -310 odds on the moneyline at DraftKings Sportsbook. The Jets have +250 odds of winning outright, with the game total set at 43.5. There are numerous ways to get involved in the action beyond simply backing a side. This article will look at my three favorite prop bets for this Week 3 game between the Buccaneers and the Jets.
Buccaneers vs. Jets Best Prop Bets
Breece Hall Under 58.5 Rushing Yards
It’s been an up-and-down first two weeks for the Jets offense, and specifically for Breece Hall. In a back-and-forth contest against the Steelers in Week 1, Hall carried the rock 19 times for 107 yards, an excellent performance against a stout run defense. But facing the Bills in Week 2, Hall was bottled up for just 29 yards on 10 carries. That makes it challenging to find a consistent baseline.
A lot of that is game script. New York was in control for a solid portion of Week 1, allowing Hall to remain more involved as a runner. In Week 2, Buffalo hit them in the mouth early, going up 20-0 with 8:50 left in the first half. I don’t expect Tampa Bay to dominate that early, but it still won’t be a favorable afternoon for the Jets. Plus, the Bucs front seven has contained the run well, allowing only 3.3 yards per carry through the first two weeks.
Tyrod Taylor 25+ Rushing Yards
It may not be a big day for Breece Hall, but backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor can always create with his legs, and that bodes well against this Tampa Bay defense.
In Week 1, Michael Penix ran six times for 21 yards against the Bucs. C.J. Stroud fared even better in Week 2, with four scrambles for 27 yards. Taylor is easily the best runner of the three, and with the Buccaneers secondary likely to lock up his receivers often, he’ll be forced to make plays with his feet.
Bucky Irving 4+ Receptions
Nobody is surprised that Bucky Irving is a great NFL runner. He’s a bowling ball of a back with a great nose for contact and elusive feet. But few could have predicted his strong debut as a pass-catcher. During his rookie year, Irving caught 47 of his 52 targets for 392 yards, and that success has continued into this season.
Through the first two games, Irving has reeled in all ten of his targets for 58 yards and a score. This Jets defense can put up strong performances, but Irving will get his, especially as a checkdown option.
