Video Vault: Bet Big on Bucs for Barton's Best Bet

South Shore Press Managing Editor Stefan Mychajliw caught up with Sports Director Tom Barton for another edition of "Barton's Best Bet," as Barton looked ahead to Week 1 of the NFL season and identified an early wagering opportunity nearly two months before kickoff.

Stefan Mychajliw: Tom, we're still in the middle of summer, but you're already looking at Week 1. What jumps out?

Tom Barton: "Tampa Bay plus 3½ against Cincinnati. That's the number that immediately caught my attention. I think people are overrating the Bengals and underrating the Buccaneers."

Stefan Mychajliw: Why fade Cincinnati?

Tom Barton: "History. They simply don't start seasons well. Over the last several years they've opened with slow starts, close games and early losses. Even when they win, it's usually by a very small margin."

Stefan Mychajliw: What do you like about Tampa Bay?

Tom Barton: "A healthy Baker Mayfield is a big reason. Losing Mike Evans hurts, but I think Emeka Egbuka is ready to step into a much larger role. Tampa plays in a division where it can absolutely compete, and I think both of these teams are playoff-caliber."

Stefan Mychajliw: So this is more about the situation than the teams?

Tom Barton: "Exactly. Cincinnati is still integrating changes on defense, while Tampa comes in catching more than a field goal. That's a spot I like."

Stefan Mychajliw: It's amazing we're already talking football in July.

Tom Barton: "Training camps are right around the corner. While everyone else is at the beach, I'm already breaking down film. Around my birthday every year, I'm watching tape and getting ready for the NFL season. It'll be here quicker than people realize."

Barton's Best Bet: Take Tampa Bay +3½ over Cincinnati in Week 1. The Bengals have consistently started seasons slowly, making the Buccaneers an attractive early-season value play.