Saints vs. Buccaneers Point Spread: NFL Week 14 Odds, Prediction
The Bucs snapped a three-game win streak last week with a 20-17 victory over Arizona. The win allowed the 7-6 Bucs to stay atop the NFC South. Prior to last weekend’s win, Tampa’s last victory came against New Orleans way back on October 26.
The Saints are one of five NFL teams eliminated from playoff contention. It’s the second straight week New Orleans will be travelling over to the state of Florida as the Saints fell 21-17 to Miami last weekend. This was the seventh-straight time New Orleans failed to score 20 points in a game. And now officially eliminated, next season’s tryouts (more on this below) should unofficially get underway for this Saints offence as they get younger on that side of the ball.
Kickoff at Raymond James Stadium is set for 1 p.m. EST with Tampa Bay -8.5 on the point spread and the over-under at 42.5 on the NFL odds.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
This time around the Saints are approaching double-digit underdog status, but the more points they get will help them get a head start on covering the spread. And that’s something New Orleans has done seven straight times against Tampa Bay. Covering at home hasn’t been easy for the Bucs too, who are now 1-6 ATS in their last seven outings on home field. Tampa Bay’s still found success straight up against the Saints, winning six of their last seven meetings.
The under is 6-2 in these teams’ last eight meetings. In those eight games, New Orleans has gone over 20 points twice. And this is a Saints team that has failed to score 20 points in seven straight contests. This includes a 23-3 Bucs win back in Week 8. But Tampa’s allowing 25.1 points per game which is 23rd in the league this season so if the Saints are to get back on track offensively, Sunday is a good opportunity.
New Orleans Saints
New, younger faces are starting to emerge in the Saints offence. The team made the switch to rookie QB Tyler Shough back in Week 9, rookie running back Devin Neal picked up his first start last week, and second-year receiver Devaughn Vele picked up a career-high 93 receiving yards last week. The Saints still fell 21-17 at New Orleans last weekend but the assertion of some new faces is what the remaining stretch for this eliminated team should be all about.
Veteran running back Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) was a DNP at Wednesday’s practice, as was leading receiver Chris Olave (back). If both sit out at Tampa Bay, the likes of Neal and Vele should be higher-volume guys in this offence. And while that not win Sunday’s game, it’s at least some change in the lineup that really hasn’t seen much despite little success.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Running back Bucky Irving returned last week following a seven-game absence, and as a result the Bucs returned to the win column after three-straight losses. Irving led the Bucs with 81 yards from scrimmage while also find the end zone. Tampa Bay schemed up some new ways to get into the end zone too, as star offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs hauled in his first touchdown catch in the 20-17 win. Wirfs (oblique) did not practice in Wednesday’s walkthrough session.
Tampa Bay has opened the 21-day practice window for receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan. While this doesn’t solidify they both return this week, it’s a good indication the Buccaneers will be gaining key weapons on offence down the stretch. And getting on a roll during the last month of this season is all Tampa Bay should be worried about. The Bucs have a clear path to winning the NFC South for the fifth year in a row, and putting the 2-10 Saints away is non-negotiable at this point if Tampa is to earn a playoff spot.
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