The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost decisively to the New Orleans Saints twice in the 2020 regular season. But then they avenged that result when it mattered most – in the playoffs. Now, as we examine our NFL picks on Sunday at BetOnline, we see the Saints in a slightly different place.
They don’t have Drew Brees at quarterback anymore. Or Teddy Bridgewater. Or Taysom Hill, for that matter. It is Jameis Winston at the controls as these teams meet at 4:25 PM ET. The Superdome is the site, and customers can stay right in the action with the “Live Betting” apparatus.
The Saints are 4-2 straight-up and 3-3 against the number. And they came from a sloppy 13-10 win at Seattle under awful conditions.
The Bucs are 6-1 straight-up (3-4 ATS), with the only loss happening against the Rams. And they won in a “laugher” last week over the Chicago Bears (38-3).
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints Odds
In the football odds posted on this game, the Buccaneers are laying points on the road:
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buccaneers | -4 ( -110 ) | 48½ ( -110 ) | -200 |  |
| Saints | +4 ( -110 ) | 48½ ( -110 ) | +170 | |
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NFL Picks – Personnel issues with Saints
Michael Thomas, who set a league record for catches a couple of years ago, is still not available for the Saints. But they are, in all likelihood, going to have wide receiver Deonte Harris available.
Taysom Hill, the jack-of-all-trades who always has the ability to add some spice to the offense, is out. He suffered a concussion a few eeks ago and has not passed through the protocol.
The Saints reached out and got some running back help during the week. They made a trade with Houston to re-acquire Mark Ingram. He can now be reunited with Alvin Kamara in the backfield.
New Orleans Saints – Winston’s doing it different
Jameis Winston has taken over at quarterback in the wake of Brees’ retirement. And he is exercising more caution than he did when he played for the Bucs.
Two years ago, he was the starter in Tampa Bay. And he threw 30 interceptions, which basically stamped his ticket out of town. And at that point Tom Brady stepped in.
Sean Payton has emphasized cutting down on mistakes. And although this has tamed Winston a little, he has tossed only three interceptions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gronk’s back?
Rob Gronkowski may be able to play. The future Hall of Fame tight end has a rib injury, and he’s been practicing. He’s a game-time decision. It’s important to remember that six of his last 22 receptions have been for touchdowns.
The guy on the other end of those throws, Tom Brady, has 21 TD passes and has been intercepted only three times in 303 attempts.
Brady will not have Antonio Brown to throw to. Brown has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints NFL Pick
The thing about the New Orleans offense is that it is the only one in the NFL with a 50% rush rate. To be precise, the Saints have run the ball just below 53% of the time.
But they are only averaging 3.9 yards per carry, which is way down the list (24th). So not a lot of imagination here. That is reflected in the fact that they are just 28th (out of 32 teams) in yards per drive.
The Bucs have consistently been among the NFL’s best in stopping the run (allowing 3.7 ypc). So the Saints may need a “Plan B.” And we’re not sure they have one that is good enough. We’re laying the points.
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