NFL Week 16: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers betting picks, preview

Both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers sit atop their division, but they also have the same record as others in their division, meaning this race will come down to the wire. In a big game for both sides, we have a clear betting preference as it relates to the spread in this one.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Betting Odds

Spread: Tampa Bay -3, Over/under: 41 points, Jacksonville +120 | Tampa Bay -142

Jacksonville is fresh off a frustrating 23-7 game that saw them turn the ball over multiple times in the red zone and botch the end of the first half from a goal-to-go situation. The two losses prior to that were a pair of close defeats to Cleveland and Cincinnati, so while they are in the midst of a three-game losing streak, it has been a competitive stretch despite that.

The Jaguars are 8-6 and in a three-way tie with Indianapolis and Houston for the AFC South title.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay has won three straight games to take control of the NFC South at 7-7, tied with the New Orleans Saints (Thursday's game results pending at time of writing). Baker Mayfield has looked legit running this offense, and the Bucs are certainly our bet to advance to the postseason out of this division.

Jacksonville is 8-6 ATS and an even 7-7 to the over, while Tampa Bay is 9-5 ATS and 6-8 to the over.

Betting Picks for Jacksonville vs. Tampa Bay

Jaguars +2

Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers are playing well, but we're not so sure they should be favored here against Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars.

We do get it, Jacksonville has dropped three straight games, but this is a great chance to pounce on them as underdogs.

The Jaguars are 5-1 on the road, and the Buccaneers biggest weakness is stopping teams through the air. Jacksonville with Evan Engram, Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones are well-equipped to move the ball against this secondary and pile up points. Tampa Bay is only 3-3 at home, and this Jags defense is better than perhaps you give them credit for.

Take Jacksonville against the spread here as they look to pull away in the AFC South race.