When it comes to a prediction for this Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints game, there really only seems to be one likely outcome. Let’s take a look at the current NFL odds and how you can watch the Buccaneers vs. Saints matchup in Week 8.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints prediction and odds | Week 8
- Spread: Buccaneers -5
- Moneyline: Buccaneers -225; Saints +185
- Over/Under: 50 (Over -110, Under -110)
Odds from DraftKings sportsbook
The Buccaneers have been simply sublime this season, ranking as a top-10 unit both offensively and defensively. The only game in which they failed to score over 20 points was their emotional matchup against the Patriots, while they have only allowed more than 20 points once since Week 3.
New England has managed to get their run game clicking, with over 100 yards on the ground in each of their last four games. But on defense, they have allowed an average of 120 yards per game on the ground, a far cry from their strong run defense of the first five weeks.
As for the Saints, this team just feels different. We have become so accustomed to seeing Drew Brees throw the ball all over the field that this low-scoring, defensive-dominated brand of football is somewhat of a surprise. New Orleans’ defense has kept opposing running games in check and had produced at least one turnover in each of their first five games.
The offense needs to find more consistency, as it ranks right at the league average this season. The one area where the Saints’ offense does excel is converting in the red zone. They were almost perfect heading into Monday Night Football, but with 14 touchdowns on 18 red-zone trips, they still rank second overall inside the 20 this year.
Buccaneers vs. Saints prediction
The odds for this Buccaneers vs. Saints matchup are slightly lower than I think many would expect. The Bucs just decimated the Bears while the Saints struggled to get past the Seahawks. There will be a lot of pressure on New Orleans’ defense in this game. With the Saints’ offense averaging just 23.3 points per game, the defense needs to keep a Tampa Bay offense averaging 10 points more per game in check.
For the Saints to win this game, the red zone will be vital. Their offense has been good, but their defense has been incredible. On 14 red-zone trips, they have allowed just 5 touchdowns to their opponents. Throughout his career, Tom Brady has excelled in turning three-point situations into touchdowns.
If New Orleans can keep Tampa Bay out of the end zone on 50% or more of their red-zone trips, they can at least keep this close. However, if Brady and the Buccaneers have success inside the 20, this could get very ugly.
Prediction: Buccaneers 30, Saints 20
How to watch and listen to Buccaneers vs. Saints this week
- Start time: 4:25 PM ET
- Channel: FOX
- Live stream:
- Sling
- Hulu + Live TV
- fuboTV
- YouTube TV
- DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket
- NFL Mobile App
- Listen:
- Buccaneers: Sirius XM Radio, TuneIn, Buccaneers Radio Network
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