After Tom Brady’s 6 TD performance last week vs the Titans, you might think I’m on crack or at the very least off my rocker to fathom the idea the Bucs will cover the 15 spread and make the game competitive, but I’m here to tell you they will. I have a few reasons as to why, but there is one sure fire thing that is in the Bucs favor and quite frankly it’s a can’t miss in my book.

I’m 5 – 1 vs the Bucs point spread. Take the Bucs + 15.

The Patriots defense is overrated and isn’t as good as past years. I know they are ranked 6th overall, but after last week’s 59 – 0 drubbing of the Titans those stats are inflated. Plus, you know your defense is hurting if you have to lure and sign 40 year old Junior Seau to play some linebacker for you. Maybe Lawrence Taylor can help you with your pass rush too, I’m guessing he can be had for about an 8-ball.

The Patriots rushing defense is ranked 20th overall and with Jeff Faine back at center for the Bucs, they will be available to run the ball against the Patriots’ defense. Cadillac had a decent game last week against a similar Panthers defense and I expect the a bit more this week. The fact that the Bucs will run the ball will take time off the clock and take plays away from Brady and his potent offense.

Tanard Jackson is back at safety after his suspension and he made a big impact with interception last week that he took back 37 yards for a TD. They shut down Steve Smith and although I think Randy Moss is a more explosive player, I also think they will have some success with Moss and company too. Ronde Barber, Aqib Talib and Tanard Jackson are very nice trio and should hold there own. If they can have success against the pass, the Patriots will have to run the ball and it’s that much harder for the them to cover the 15 points.

Both teams have to travel to London, England. It’s one of the other 7 continents. I know east coast teams travel to the west coast all the time, but east coast teams don’t travel east, which is what they will be doing this week. The odd travel direction will jack with both team’s internal clocks, so don’t be surprised when timing patterns are not in sync and some players are little flat in the first half. I hope both teams bring a personal chef, because if you have ever had to dine on British cuisine it’s horrible. By the way Montezuma’s Revenge can happen just as easily in London as it can in Tijuana, Mexico, so I hope the Patriots drink the local tap water and get the shits in the 4th quarter.

If all those reasons are not enough for you take pause and rethink your bet, this next reason will. The whole purpose of the NFL playing a game overseas in another country is to expand the fan base and create more money for the NFL and it’s owners. It’s why all big companies go overseas, McDonald’s understand that if they introduce the Big Mac to China that’s over 1 billion people to sell to. Do you think McDonald’s would send over a crappy Big Mac, fries, shake or Quarter Pounder? The answer is no, they want to convert rice eaters to hamburger eaters. Do you honestly think the NFL is going to let the Patriots crush the Bucs like they did the Titans the last week? How many soccer fans are going to walk out of Wembley Stadium and say, “Well mate that was bloody entertaining watching the Patriots score at will. I wonder if all the matches are like that?” It would be the equivalent of watching Manchester United destroy some team 11 – 0 here in the United States, are really going to want to be a fan or watch another game?

There is too much money at stake for the NFL and in my opinion the NFL won’t let it happen. The game needs to be competitive and close, so pasty white people with cool accents walk out wanting more NFL. The Pats won’t cover 15 points, they might not even win. That’s right I said it, but if there was ever a time when a team like the Patriots were ripe for an upset this is the week and the Bucs are the team.