Bucs underdogs at home in Week 11 for the first time all season

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the New Orleans Saints in Week 11 as home underdogs.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a big Week 10 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Not only did it stop Tampa Bay’s four-game losing-streak, but it was also the team’s first game at Raymond James Stadium since Week 3.

A grueling 1-4 road stretch had the team at 2-6 before Sunday’s big win. But, if the Bucs want to continue to climb back to .500, they’ll have to take down Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints next Sunday.

New Orleans is coming off a stunning 26-9 home loss in Week 10 to the Atlanta Falcons, and the risk of falling further behind in the NFC playoff picture will have them playing in desperation mode against the Bucs.

Sportsbooks like New Orleans in this one as the Saints have opened up as -5.5 point favorites. It’s the first time the Bucs have been underdogs at Raymond James all season.

Remember, though, Week 5’s loss to the Saints was the start of the Bucs’ four-game skid, so revenge is very much on the mind of this team. I wouldn’t be surprised if this line moves before the game in favor of Tampa Bay.

As the Atlanta Falcons proved, when playing a familiar division foe, records mean nothing.

[Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.]

[lawrence-related id=24849,24842,24829,24822]

Bruce Arians liked what he saw from TE O.J. Howard on Sunday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians talked about tight end O.J. Howard and Sunday’s big win over the Arizona Cardinals.

It seems a little home cooking was just what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed to get back on the winning track.

After playing away from Raymond James Stadium since Week 3, the Bucs returned home in Week 10 and halted their four-game skid by taking down the Arizona Cardinals, 30-27.

While quarterback Jameis Winston had two more interceptions, he did have one touchdown pass — to tight end O.J. Howard of all people.

For Howard, who missed the previous two games with a hamstring injury, it was his first touchdown of the season. Hopefully, Sunday’s performance (four receptions for 47 yards and the score) is a sign of things to come in the second half of the season.

Head coach Bruce Arians, who put Howard on blast earlier this season for his poor play, talked today about Howard’s performance on Sunday.

Take a look.

The Bucs will play at home again in Week 11 when the New Orleans Saints come to visit.

[lawrence-related id=24829,24822,24815,24807]