The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) clash with the New Orleans Saints (1-0) for the early lead in the NFC South Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Buccaneers vs. Saints, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
The Bucs outlasted the Dallas Cowboys 19-3 in their season opener on Sunday Night Football. It came at a cost, though as WR Chris Godwin (hamstring) and OT Donovan Smith (elbow) are both likely to miss this week’s game after suffering injuries in the opener. Tampa actually quit throwing the ball late in the game because QB Tom Brady was getting hit so much.
The Saints pulled a rabbit out of a hat to beat the Atlanta Falcons 27-26 on a field goal with 19 seconds remaining. New Orleans trailed from early in the 2nd quarter but outscored Atlanta 17-3 in the final frame to secure the W. They, too, have some injury concerns as their QB and both running backs are on the injury report.
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Buccaneers at Saints odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Buccaneers -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Saints +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
- Against the spread (ATS): Buccaneers -2.5 (-117) | Saints +2.5 (-103)
- Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -103 | U: -117)
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Buccaneers at Saints key injuries
Buccaneers
- WR Mike Evans (calf) questionable
- RB Leonard Fournette (hamstring) questionable
- WR Russell Gage (hamstring) questionable
- WR Chris Godwin (hamstring) out
- WR Julio Jones (knee) questionable
- WR Breshad Perriman (knee) questionable
- OL Donovan Smith (elbow) doubtful
- OL Tristan Wirfs (abdomen) questionable
Saints
- CB Pauslon Adebo (ankle) out
- RB Mark Ingram (ankle) questionable
- RB Alvin Kamara (ribs) questionable
- WR Tre’Quan Smith (shoulder) questionable
- QB Jameis Winston (back) questionable
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Buccaneers at Saints picks and predictions
Prediction
Buccaneers 23, Saints 21
Money line
The Bucs are vulnerable, and Brady does not look comfortable in the pocket with both starting tackles ailing and his center out for the year. I just don’t think the Saints have enough continuity to beat them yet — the Bucs aren’t the Falcons.
If NOLA’s line swelled closer to +150, I’d consider sprinkling a little. However, Brady and Co. get it done. Take the BUCCANEERS (-135).
Against the spread
Conversely, I think the Bucs struggle enough offensively to give the Saints a chance. DE Cameron Jordan will be in TB12’s face all day. If you find somewhere to take an Over 1.5 Sacks, I’d be all over that.
LEAN SAINTS +2.5 (-103).
Over/Under
What a great number here. We’re projecting 44 points, but this could truly go either way. Tampa scored just 19 and kicked a slew of field goals because they couldn’t protect Brady. The Saints dropped 27 on an inferior Atlanta team, and most of both offenses are banged up.
LEAN UNDER 44.5 (-117).
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