The two most formidable week one preseason squads are scheduled to tangle later this week as the Buccaneers host Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. The week two contest is slated for a 7:30p.m. ET kickoff at Raymond James Stadium on Thursday, August 18. Patriots vs Buccaneers Odds have Tampa Bay listed as a -2.5 against the spread favorite; the Over/Under is presently set at 37.5 points.
The Patriots looked ready for the regular 
season last week as they pounded the Jaguars 47-12 at Gillette Stadium. New England's performance did not feature quarterback Tom Brady, but his presence was not required given the way backups Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett picked apart the Jacksonville secondary.
Hoyer, who got the start, completed 15-of-21 passes for 171 yards and one touchdown while Mallett, the team's fifth selection in April's draft, connected on 12 of his 19 pass attempts for 164 yards and a touchdown.
The Pats finished the game with 28 first downs and 476 yards of total offense. New England's defense limited the Jaguars and rookie signal caller Blaine Gabbert to 193 yards.
Coach Belichick was impressed by the performance of his reserves, but he was more pleased with the ample amounts of game material the Patriots staff can now use to make future roster adjustments.
"We let them play against some better people there in the beginning of the game, so we'll get good evaluation of them," Belichick told reporters after the game. "We basically played two groups on both sides of the ball, and those guys got a lot of playing time."
If the Bucs showing in Kansas City on Friday night is any indication, Belichick and company may be in for a bigger exhibition test on Thursday. Tampa Bay's offense, playing against Chiefs backups almost from the opening kick, produced a 15-0 halftime lead under the direction of starting quarterback Josh Freeman.
Freeman, who enjoyed a breakout campaign with the Bucs last year, looked in mid-season form, completing 7-of-12 passes for 108 yards and one touchdown. Freeman also found the end zone with his legs, scoring on a five yard scamper early in the first quarter. The Bucs went on to win the nationally televised contest 25-0.
The victory represented the third preseason road win for Tampa Bay under third year Head Coach Raheem Morris. The Buccaneers are 1-3 in four home exhibition games with Morris on the sidelines.
Patriots vs Buccaneers Odds NFL Week 2 Preseason:
New England Patriots +2.5 (-110), Over 37.5 (-110)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers -2.5 (-110), Under 37.5 (-110)
