NFL predictions are part of the fun of the new season. Do you have your crystal ball ready to go? Most sportsbooks have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 8.5 wins for the 2008-09 season. Can the Buccaneers repeat their 9-7 record last season or will betting the under be the play here?

In 2007-08 the Buccaneers had a 9-7 record and if you bet the over on their 2008 season win total wager, you'll need a repeat performance-or better-to win. Unfortunately, there could be trouble on the horizon for the Bucs.

Before I forget, I'm writing myself a note to tell you about the potential "lock" of the 2008-09 season for win totals. The team I'm talking about is getting a favorable number at the sportsbooks and it's my pick this season. Okay, back to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Let's first look at games where the Bucs are likely to win:

1. Detroit (at home)
2. Atlanta
3. Atlanta (at home)
4. Oakland

Next, let's look at the games where the Buccaneers are likely to lose:

1. New Orleans
2. at New Orleans
3. Denver
4. Seattle
5. Dallas
6. San Diego

As it sits, Tampa Bay is 4-6 with 6 games to play. Look at these games:

1. at Chicago
2. Green Bay
3. Carolina
4. at Kansas City
5. Minnesota
6. Carolina

If they go 4-2, they'll finish 8-8 on the season and fall one game short of their 8.5 game mark.

Given that their QB is 38, their best WR is 36 and their RB is 33, it's highly likely that this team in transition will run into injury issues.

My NFL prediction for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2008-09 season is under the 8.5 win total.