The only way the Bucs have a chance to beat the Giants this week is if the Giants overlook them.  That is not likely with Tom Coughlin as the head coach.  The Giants can pick what they want to do on offense this week as the Bucs allow 168.0 yards rushing per game (5.7 ypc) and they also allow 282.0 yards passing per game (118.7 QB Rating against).  The Giants will likely try to run the ball with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw first against the soft front seven of the Bucs.  That will set up play action passing with Eli Manning looking for WRs Steve Smith and Mario Manningham down the field.  The Giants will also likely try to get TE Kevin Boss more involved in the passing game this week due to the injuries the Bucs have at safety.

The Buccaneers should try to eat the clock with the running game.  Derrick Ward will start against his old team this week and that could motivate him to have a big game.  The Giants are allowing 168.0 yards rushing per game (6.7 ypc) so far this season and that’s what the Bucs should try to exploit.  Cadillac Williams and Ernest Graham should also get into the action with Ward against the Giants on the ground.  The Giants have issues at strong safety so the Bucs will likely attack them there with Kellen Winslow (12 rec, 120 yards, TD). 

PREDICTION:  GIANTS 31, BUCS 21