New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Preview

Sunday Night Football features a battle of NFC South teams as the New Orleans Saints (6-7) square off with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-3). The Buccaneers will host this one at Raymond James Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 8:20 pm ET.
After losing five games in a row, the Saints bounced back with a 30-9 win over the New York Jets last week. In the victory, Taysom Hill threw for 175 yards and rushed for 73 with two touchdowns.
Alvin Kamara was the main threat in last week’s win as he rushed 27 times for 120 yards and a score.
The defending champion Buccaneers have been red hot as of late, winning four games in a row. Last week, they were able to take down the Buffalo Bills in overtime, 33-27.
Tom Brady had a big game in the win as he threw for 363 yards and two scores. He also had a rushing touchdown.
Leonard Fournette led the ground game with 113 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. He also had four receptions for 19 yards.
The Buccaneers are the heavy favorites playing at home. They are -560 to win while the Saints’ moneyline sits at +420. The spread features New Orleans +11.5 (-110), and the over/under for total points is 45.5 (-110).
More Odds
The Buccaneers are the favorites to win the NFC South at -30000. The Saints are +5000 to mount a comeback and win the division.
In terms of the Super Bowl, the Buccaneers are tied for the favorites, with the Kansas City Chiefs at +500. The Saints are +13000 to win Super Bowl LVI.
By The Numbers
The Buccaneers have had the best offense in the NFL this season. They lead the league in scoring averaging 31.5 points per game (37.5 at home). The Saints rank tied for 16th averaging 23.4 points per game.
Defensively, it is New Orleans with the advantage. They rank 11th in scoring defense, allowing 21.9 points per game. The Buccaneers rank 19th allowing 22.8 points (18.5 at home).
Saints Trying To Stay In The Hunt
If the season ended today, the Saints would be on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture. However, at 6-7, they are right on the bubble, so every game is imperative at this point.
Head coach Sean Payton will turn to Taysom Hill to try to pick up a win against the defending champs. In parts of nine games, Hill has thrown for 495 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions. On the ground, Hill has rushed for 278 yards and another five scores.
The Saints’ most dangerous weapon is running back Alvin Kamara. In nine games, he has rushed for 650 yards and four scores.
Kamara will have his work cut out for him Sunday as Tampa Bay ranks third in terms of rushing defense, allowing just 91.2 yards on the ground per game to opponents.
Buccaneers Look To Stay Perfect At Home
At 10-3, the Buccaneers have a juggernaut of a team. At home, they are almost unbeatable. While they are 4-3 on the road this season, they are 6-0 when playing at Raymond James Stadium.
Future Hall-of-Famer Tom Brady will be under center for the Buccaneers Sunday. This season, he has thrown for 4,134 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just ten interceptions.
Brady’s favorite targets include Chris Godwin (92 receptions, 1,054 yards, five touchdowns), Mike Evans (63 receptions, 885 yards, 11 touchdowns), and Rob Gronkowski (38 receptions, 498 yards, six touchdowns).
On the ground, the Buccaneers have been led by running back Leonard Fournette. He has rushed 171 times for 778 yards and eight touchdowns. He has been upgraded to probable for Sunday’s game as he has dealt with an ankle injury.
Buccaneers Will Win, But Can They Cover?
Especially playing at home, it is hard to bet against the Buccaneers; however, the 11.5-point spread does give some pause.
Expect the Saints to use a heavy dose of the run game to try to keep Brady and the offense off the field. If they can find some success with the run game, covering the spread could definitely be in play.
The problem is figuring out a Buccaneers’ defense that has been one of the best in rushing defense. Expect Tampa Bay to focus on shutting down Kamara, meaning Taysom Hill may have to beat them with his arm.
As talented as Hill may be, his arm is not his greatest weapon. As a result, take Tampa Bay to both win and to cover the big spread.