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Don’t expect a shootout from Rams vs. Buccaneers on ‘Monday Night Football’

Even though Tampa Bay upgraded its quarterback to Tom Brady from Jameis Winston, Vegas Vic expects both defenses to hold down the scoring.

Defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) is a big reason the Rams' last six games all have finished under the Vegas total. The line is 48.5 for Monday's clash against Tom Brady and the host Buccaneers.
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) is a big reason the Rams' last six games all have finished under the Vegas total. The line is 48.5 for Monday's clash against Tom Brady and the host Buccaneers.Read moreJae C. Hong / AP

LAS VEGAS — If you’re expecting a shootout tonight, you might wanna recalibrate.

Sure, last season’s game was bonkers, with 95 points on the board as Tampa posted a 55-40 win. But that was with the LEGENDARY Jameis Winston at QB for the Bucs. Now, it’s just the ordinary old Tom Brady. Just kidding.

The real reason I’m not expecting a shootout here is that both defenses are stout. The visiting Rams entered the week ranked second in both scoring defense (18.7 points per game) and total defense (296.4 yards per game). They also slotted in at No. 3 in passing defense (199.7 per) and No. 5 in rushing defense (96.8 per). No wonder the Under is 6-0 since Oct. 4 in L.A.’s games.

And when you look across the field, the Bucs D leads the NFL in rushing defense (76.6 yards per) and ranks third in total defense (300.3 per). So, we’re going low, Under 48.5, and if you can find a +5 just before kickoff, we would tickle the kids from Los Angeles.

BUCCANEERS (4.5) Rams (48.5), 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)

Staff picks
Ed Barkowitz
Rams
Staff picks
Les Bowen
Buccaneers
Staff picks
Paul Domowitch
Rams
Staff picks
Marcus Hayes
Rams (Best Bet of the week)
Staff picks
Jeff McLane
Rams
Staff picks
EJ Smith
Rams
Staff picks
Vegas Vic
Rams

Season standings

Paul Domowitch
Week 11
8-5
YTD
82-72-4
Pct.
.532
Vegas Vic
Week 11
7-6
YTD
79-75-4
Pct.
.513
Marcus Hayes
Week 11
6-7
YTD
78-76-4
Pct.
.506
Ed Barkowitz
Week 11
4-9
YTD
76-78-4
Pct.
.494
EJ Smith
Week 11
4-9
YTD
74-80-4
Pct.
.481
Les Bowen
Week 11
5-8
YTD
71-83-4
Pct.
.462
Jeff McLane
Week 11
6-7
YTD
71-83-4
Pct.
.462