NFL Picks Chargers @ Buccaneers

The San Diego Chargers (6-8 SU, 5-8-1 ATS, 6-7-1 O/U) likely won’t be going to the playoffs this season, but picked up a thrilling improbable win the last time they took the field.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5 SU, 8-6 ATS, 6-8 O/U) have dropped two straight games in the BetOnline Sportsbook and are desperate for a victory in order to keep their postseason hopes alive.

On Sunday, both teams will be looking to pick up a victory when they battle at Raymond James Stadium.

The Chargers are coming off a thrilling 22-21 win over the lowly Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15 but failed to cover the spread for BetOnline NFL sports betting enthusiasts as a 5.5-point road favorite.

Quarterback Philip Rivers completed 34 of 48 passes for 346 yards with two touchdowns and an interception while running back LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 39 yards and another touchdown on 15 carries.

The Chargers actually still have a chance to reach the postseason but they will need to beat Tampa while first place Denver losses on the road at Buffalo.

"We’ve known it’s going to be difficult, but the only control we have is getting ready to go play and play at the best level we can in Tampa," Chargers head coach Norv Turner told the Chargers’ official Web site. "We’re playing a very good football team that has a lot to play for. It’ll be a real challenge for us."

The Buccaneers lost a heart-breaker to the surprising Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, falling 13-10 in overtime as a 5.5-point road underdog last week.

Backup quarterback Brian Griese, starting in place of the injured Jeff Garcia, completed 26 of 37 passes for 269 yards with one touchdown and an interception while wide receiver Antonio Bryant caught eight passes for 108 yards and one touchdown.

Here is a look at tonight’s key betting trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NFL Free Pick:

The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego’s last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay

San Diego is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay

San Diego is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Diego’s last 10 games

Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay’s last 5 games when playing San Diego

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay’s last 7 games at home

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Tampa Bay’s last 10 games

NFL Odds

San Diego Chargers +3 +105

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -3 -125

Over 42½ -110

Under 42½ -110

Analysis: I’ll come right out and say it I don’t trust the San Diego Chargers one iota! The fact of the matter is that they have been a classic Norv Turner team, underachieving at all the wrong moments, while the Buccaneers have played their little hearts out each and every time for Jon Gruden.

This pick takes absolutely no guesswork whatsoever – take the Bucs to cover.

NFL Free Picks: Buccaneers -3 Points/Over 42½ Total Points