Chargers highlight: Ladd McConkey finds the end zone to tie the game vs. Buccaneers

Ladd McConkey has his first touchdown in almost two months.

Ladd McConkey has his first touchdown in almost two months.

After the Chargers gave up a 7 play, 70 yard touchdown drive to Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, Los Angeles took the ball back looking to match Tampa Bay’s pace. Justin Herbert threw his first two passes to McConkey to jumpstart the drive, putting LA at midfield.

After five more plays, a pass interference penalty on Bucs safety Christian Izien, and an encroachment call on edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, the Chargers took a 2nd and 5 snap from the Tampa Bay 7 yard line.

Herbert rolled to his right as McConkey shadowed him across the field, hauling in a pass in the end zone despite tight coverage. McConkey made the contested catch to tie the game, his fifth score of the season.

It’s a good sign for the Chargers going forward, as McConkey’s availability was in question with knee and shoulder injuries coming into the week.

https://x.com/chargers/status/1868411803652506041

Who are the experts taking in Chargers vs. Buccaneers?

Find out who experts are picking between the Chargers and Buccaneers.

The Los Angeles Chargers are 3-point home favorites over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15 of the 2024 regular season. The over/under is 45.5 points, per BetMGM Sportsbook.

That means oddsmakers are taking bets on whether the two teams will combine to score more than or fewer than 45 points.

My score prediction for the game is a 27-17 win for the Chargers, with a total of 44 points. So, if I were putting money based on my prediction, I’d bet the under.

As for game picks, analysts believe Los Angeles will get back on track after losing to the Chiefs last Monday night.

Expert Pick
Nate Davis (USA Today) Chargers
Jarrett Bell (USA Today) Chargers
Mike Clay (ESPN) Chargers
Matt Bowen (ESPN) Chargers
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Chargers
Bill Bender (Sporting News) Buccaneers
NFL.com Staff Chargers (4-1)
Bleacher Report Buccaneers

Sunday’s game will begin at 1:25 p.m. PT and be televised on FOX.

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 15 opponent: Buccaneers

Here are some important things to know about the Buccaneers ahead of the Week 15 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers are back home to face the Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 15, at 1:25 p.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 15 bout, here are a few key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

How things are going…

The Buccaneers are 7-6 and sit atop the NFC South. Tampa Bay is riding a three-game winning streak.

Coen has the offense cooking

Offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s unit is one of the hottest in football. The Buccaneers rank in the top 10 in multiple categories. They are currently fifth in scoring (27.9 points per game), sixth in passing (241.0 yards per game), and eighth in rushing (138.3 YPG).

Baker making it happen

Quarterback Baker Mayfield has completely turned his career around with the Buccaneers after bouncing around with a few teams since being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Mayfield has thrown the third-most touchdowns (28) and fourth-most passing yards (3,329). However, Mayfield has struggled to take care of the football, as his 13 interceptions are the second-most behind Falcons’ Kirk Cousins.

The Rookie of the Year candidate no one is talking about

Running back Bucky Irving has been having an outstanding first season since being selected in the fourth round out of Oregon. Irving has been integral in their offensive success and is on pace to the franchise’s first 1,000-yard rushing season since Doug Martin (2015). Irving has 735 yards, six touchdowns, and 5.4 yards per carry.

Uneven defense

The Chargers should have plenty of success airing it out. The Buccaneers rank 30th against the pass, allowing an average of 253.4 yards per game. On the other hand, Tampa Bay has been solid against the run, ranking 11th in the league.

Look out for…

Wide receiver Mike Evans. Mayfield will be looking to go to his top target early and often. Evans is a big-time playmaker, averaging 13.7 yards per catch, with seven touchdowns on the season.

Los Angeles Chargers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Prediction, Game Preview

Los Angeles Rams vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Los Angeles Chargers prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Los Angeles Chargers Broadcast

Date: Sunday, October 4
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Network: CBS

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All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Los Angeles Chargers (1-2) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM


Why Los Angeles Will Win

The run defense has been fantastic, and it should be able to stuff a mediocre Tampa Bay offense that’s not getting the ground game going.

There are parts of the Chargers that aren’t working – the turnovers were devastating in the loss to Carolina last week – but as long as the defense is able to keep this close, Justin Herbert won’t have to press.

LA is great on third downs, leads the NFL in red zone D, and is doing enough of the little things right to pull this off on the road as long as Herbert isn’t screwing up, but …

CFN Experts Picks: NFL

Why Tampa Bay Will Win

The defense is starting to force mistakes.

The Buccaneers came up with four takeaways against Carolina and two against Denver. The defense has been excellent against the run, but if it really can start taking the ball away on a regular basis, then Tom Brady and the O don’t have to press.

Brady has been fine so far, but hardly sensational and certainly nothing like his old self. Don’t make mistakes, let the defense do its job, and make Herbert win the game.

CFN Experts Picks: College Football

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

QB Tom Brady, Tampa Bay
He’s still Tom Brady, but so far he’s just a guy. He’s only hitting 65% of his passes, he’s finally starting to get the ball down the field a little more, and he’s just not sharp enough. Fantasy-wise, the six touchdown passes and three picks are fine, but nothing special. The Chargers will give him a big test.

What’s Going To Happen

Tampa Bay isn’t good enough. The offense isn’t strong enough, the running game isn’t productive enough, and Brady hasn’t been special enough. However, the team might get there soon in all areas, and beating the Chargers at home with a workmanlike effort is a good way to build on the win over Denver.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Los Angeles Chargers Prediction, Line

Tampa Bay 26, Los Angeles Rams 17
Bet on Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Los Angeles Chargers with BetMGM
Tampa Bay -6.5, o/u: 42.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 4

5: ANYTHING else
1: THAT debate

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