The Los Angeles Chargers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday in a crucial matchup with playoff implications. The Chargers are firmly in 6th place in the AFC and their remaining schedule includes hosting the Denver Broncos before road games against the Patriots and Raiders. They are coming off a 19-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and their five losses this year have come against the Chiefs, Ravens, Steelers and Cardinals. Their biggest concern heading into this match is the overall health of key players, as Joey Bosa (hip), Will Dissly (shoulder) and Justin Herbert (ankle/hamstring) all missed Wednesday’s practice, but Ladd McConkey was a limited participant That’s good to see after missing the Week 14 loss to Kansas City.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be traveling across the country for this matchup and their current health outlook isn’t much better. The Bucs lost key safety Antoine Winfield Jr. last week to a foot/knee injury and he will miss Sunday’s contest. Additionally, Tristan Wirfs (foot/knee), Mike Evans (hamstring), Bucky Irving (back/hip) and Sterling Shepard (foot) all missed Wednesday’s practice, and it appears that QB Baker Mayfield is the only healthy player in this team is. He has been the Bucs’ carrier this season as Tampa averages 379.2 yards per game (3rd in the NFL) and 27.9 PPG (5th in the NFL).

Although the Bucs have been on a good run, winning three straight, those games came against the Giants, Panthers and Raiders, who have a combined seven wins this season. Additionally, they benefit from an easy schedule moving forward as they face the Cowboys, Panthers and Saints, who have a combined record of 15-26. The Chargers have played all five games this season and are favorites by more than 3 points. The Bucs can lose this game and still win the NFC South. Herbert’s health is concerning, but I expect him to be fit on Sunday and help the Chargers win by a field goal or more in front of their home fans.

Buccaneers vs Chargers Prediction: Los Angeles -2.5 (-120) available at time of publication. Playable at this number up to -125.

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