Rams vs. Buccaneers: NFL Divisional Round betting odds, preview, and pick

Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be looking for revenge when they host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday on their road to Super Bowl LVI.

Let's examine this NFC Divisional matchup in depth, starting with the latest betting odds.

Mid-season additions are paying off for Rams

In early November, the Rams went all-in on this season by trading draft picks for former Super Bowl MVP Von Miller. They followed that up by signing three-time Pro Bowler Odell Beckham Jr.

Both players made an impact in their 34-11 Wild Card victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night. Beckham caught four passes on four targets for 54 yards and a touchdown. He also completed a 40-yard pass on a trick play to Cam Akers. Miller led the team with six solo tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack.

The balanced attack on offense mixed with a great pass rush on defense is a recipe for success in postseason play. In the early season matchup with the Buccaneers, the Rams were able to get a strong pass rush on Brady with three sacks. They also were able to throw for 343 yards and four touchdowns. These additions will only help on Sunday.

Tampa defense back to Super Bowl form

In their 31-15 Wild Card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, the Buccaneers' defense made some big plays to effectively shut down the league’s best rushing attack. In the first three quarters of the game, the Eagles only managed to gain 154 total yards and score zero points. The Bucs then allowed 15 points and 160 total yards in the fourth quarter after they already had a 31-0 lead.

Last year’s defensive stars all made big plays in the game. Shaq Barrett had an interception, Devin White had a tackle for loss and three QB hits, and Antoine Winfield Jr. had a sack and two QB hits.

The Bucs struggled mightily in their first matchup with the Rams as they allowed 34 points and 407 total yards. It was also one of only three games this season where they failed to force a turnover. I expect this defense to improve tremendously from that Week 3 performance as they will be at home this time.

Rams and Buccaneers betting trends

• The Rams are 8-1 ATS in their last nine meetings
• The Underdog is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings
• The Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings
• The Rams are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as a road underdog
• The Buccaneers are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games as a home favorite
• The Over is 10-1 in the Rams' last 11 games as an underdog
• The Under is 6-1 in the Buccaneers' last seven playoff games as a favorite

Expect a thriller from start to finish

These two powerhouses are coming into this game off impressive Wild Card wins and playing their best football at the right time. Offensively and defensively, they are both clicking on all cylinders.

The big mismatches will be in the passing game. The Bucs have the top ranked passing offense while the Rams have the 22nd ranked passing defense. On the other end, the Rams have the fifth ranked passing offense and the Bucs have just the 21st best passing defense.

That combination should provide for a high-scoring thriller that goes back and forth. While many bettors may naturally favor Brady and his 35 playoff wins over Matthew Stafford and his one playoff victory, the injury bug may come to haunt the Bucs. If that vaunted pass rush of the Rams can get to face off with a few backups on the Bucs' offensive line, then it could be a long day for Brady & Co.

Score prediction: Rams 31, Buccaneers 30

NFL Divisional picks: Rams +3, Over 48.5

Rams vs. Buccaneers pick powered by The Quant Edge

Our predictive engine is calling for the Buccaneers to win and cover the spread.