It’s always interesting when the Saints and Buccaneers go head-to-head, and tonight’s matchup should be no different. Tampa comes into the primetime game as 3.5-point favorites as they look to get back to 6-6 on the year at home against their division rival. Both offences have had their struggles this season, and the over/under of 41.5 points reflects exactly that. Last time they played against each other was Week 2, where Tampa Bay won 20-10.
THE TEAMS
For the Bucs, getting Mike Evans and Tom Brady on the same page needs to be a focal point. Last week, the pair never looked in sync, and Evans caught just two balls on nine targets because of it. Unfortunately, the receiver will be going against Marshon Lattimore tonight. Lattimore certainly knows how to get under Evans’ skin, and Evans ended up with a one-game suspension because of it last time these teams played.
The Bucs are at their best when the pass game is clicking, and they need Evans making plays for that to happen. Thankfully, they may not need too much out of the offence tonight against a weak Saints offence, but the unit will surely need to make strides in the coming weeks if they have any hopes of success in the playoffs.
At 4-8, tonight is a must-win for New Orleans. With a victory, they’ll split the season series with Tampa Bay and only be a half game back of the division lead. However, if they lose, the team will fall to 4-9 and almost be completely out of playoff contention. It’s never easy getting wins with below average quarterbacks in the NFL, but that’s simply what the Saints must do tonight. The offence was a little more explosive earlier this season but is averaging just 12.5 points per game over the last month, going 1-3 in that span.
Saints and Buccaneers – THE PICK
We don’t really love either team tonight for a multitude of reasons and if we had to make one bet, it’d be on the Under. However, the Bucs will get the nod based on home field advantage and New Orleans’ complete lack of offence.
Buccaneers –3.5
