New Orleans Saints (7-8) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)
The New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers December 31, 2023 – This Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in New Orleans, the New Orleans Saints will travel to face off against Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an important Week 17 clash that could decide regional supremacy as well as playoff positioning – since both teams are closely matched on standings, NFL betting tips for this matchup may depend heavily upon its finer details.
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers December 31, 2023 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Raymond James Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Derek Carr QB vs. Baker Mayfield QB
Derek Carr could play an instrumental role in determining the outcome. A veteran quarterback for New Orleans, Derek Carr has consistently shown consistency under center for New Orleans this season by accounting for 3,417 yards through the air with 19 touchdowns against 8 interceptions and reaching his playmakers quickly in space. Yet Carr has taken 28 sacks this year – which must be quickly responded to in order to defeat Tampa’s relentless pass rush and secure victory in this contest.
Baker Mayfield has found success restoring consistency to Tampa Bay’s passing attack since taking on starting duties, exhibiting his trademark fearlessness with aggressive play style to score 17 touchdowns against 8 interceptions over just 7 full starts. Additionally, Mayfield’s 7.2 yards per attempt reveal explosive play ability that allows top receivers like Mike Evans access. Unfortunately for Mayfield though, he has never shied away from turnovers which could prove costly against Saints secondary’s ball-hawking playbooks; remaining composed and allowing plays to develop should create opportunities to establish momentum for Tampa Bay offense.
Saints’ Ground and Aerial Threat
New Orleans Saints offensive capabilities have been greatly strengthened thanks to Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave, two key contributors who have greatly strengthened the Saints offense. Kamara accumulated 649 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 12 games as an effective and consistent ground attack; Olave, in 14 appearances, has amassed 81 receptions totalling 1041 yards; his performance providing quarterback Derek Carr with reliable downfield passes.
Buccaneers’ Offensive Firepower
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense relies heavily on Rachaad White and Mike Evans. White has amassed 873 rushing yards over 15 games, scoring 6 touchdowns to establish their running game, while Evans is an essential element of Tampa Bay’s receiving game; having amassed 1163 yards with 13 touchdowns under quarterback Baker Mayfield’s watch, Evans consistently stands out as being his preferred playmaker when significant plays need to be executed by him.
NFL Betting Odds: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -160, Over/Under: 42
The Buccaneers are favored with a -160 moneyline and a -3 point spread. The over/under set at 42 points suggests a moderately scoring game, reflecting the offensive capabilities and recent trends of both teams.
New Orleans Saints Betting Trends
New Orleans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of New Orleans’ last 20 games.
New Orleans are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games.
New Orleans are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games against Tampa Bay.
The New Orleans are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games against Tampa Bay.
New Orleans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Trends
Tampa Bay are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay’s last 5 games.
Tampa Bay are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay’s last 7 games against New Orleans.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay’s last 6 games at home.
Tampa Bay are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans.
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Picks
This matchup presents a close contest, with both teams showing strengths that could tip the scales. The Saints’ recent ATS success against Tampa Bay makes them an attractive pick, especially with the +3 spread. However, the Buccaneers’ overall form and home advantage suggest they might have the edge.
For those using Americas Betting websites, considering prop bets on key players like Carr, Mayfield, Kamara, or Evans could provide additional value. The total points over/under is a tougher call, with trends suggesting a lean towards the UNDER.
Receiving Yards Prop: Buccaneers 21, Saints 18.
