AAA's *50 STAR* Wk. 17 5-GM REPORT (245-203 +$18,990 w/ ALL 10* NFL!)
(NFL) Tampa Bay vs. Carolina,
Point Spread: 11.50 | -122.00 Tampa Bay (Away)
Result: Loss
This is a 10* play on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

While we are primarily a situationally based handicapping service, we don't prescribe to any one single methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account a bunch of different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. The actual contestants on the field of play rarely enter into our equation when making selections, unless it's a Top 3 player like a LeBron James or Aaron Rodgers etc. One set of criteria which we almost always use when making our decisions, are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics. Sometimes these stats can be overrated and other times they help foreshadow the outcome of a contest.

This particular play is based on a few different factors:

- Feeling the pressure: Carolina looked horrible in its loss to Atlanta last week, dropping the team to 14-1 and making this a must-win as far as securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The pressure is clearly on the home side, while Tampa Bay will have nothing to lose and would love nothing more than to play spoiler today.

- Redemption: Tampa has a shot at revenge today as well after losing an ugly game to the Panthers in Week 4.

- Motivation: Both teams are motivated, Tampa sits at 6-9 so a high playoff spot is not on the line; the Bucs will be just as hungry for a win today after dropping three straight and four of its last five.

- Doug Martin: The Bucs are 5-1 when their dynamic back has 20 or more carries and he's already proven that he can run against the Panthers, he's just one of two players to rush for more than 100 yards against Carolina all year.

- Deceptively good defense: Tampa would allow Carolina to score 37 points in Week 4, but the Bucs did manage to limit the Panthers offense to just 244 total yards, while also holding Cam Newton to his lowest passing total of the season.

- Strong and relevant ATS statistics: note that Tampa is 4-3 ATS on the road this year and 3-2 ATS vs. the division, while Carolina is 0-2 ATS its last two off a loss vs. a division rival.

The bottom line: While we won't be so bold as to call for an outright upset, we do think there are enough significant motivational, situational and ATS statistics working in the visitors favor to warrant pulling the trigger on this one; play on the BUCCANEERS.

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