The New Orleans Saints will face a division opponent for just the second time this season when it meets the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Florida (1:00pm ET start time, FOX).The latest Sunday NFL Predictions and odds are expecting today’s NFC South clash to be a tightly contested affair as the Saints are listed as a -1.5 against the spread road favorite. The game total in this Saints vs Buccaneers divisional scrap is set at 49 points.
The Saints season is still very much on life support, but they could start the recovery process with a win this afternoon over NFC South rival Tampa Bay. New Orleans is coming off its bye, but it may have desired to just keep playing after securing its first win of the season two weeks ago against San Diego.
Still, the Saints had something positive to reflect on over the break and they certainly needed a lift after their nightmarish 0-4 start. Any good vibes would quickly vanish with a loss today, though, and that remains a distinct possibility.
Despite its recent dominance, New Orleans has played near break even football on the road against division opponents over the last five seasons and it has dropped four of its last seven against the Bucs at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans is also 0-2 away from this season where it yielded 73 points and 884 yards to the Panthers and Packers.
The Buccaneers are no pushover either. Tampa Bay, as its 2-3 record would indicate, has some issues, but it has been competitive in every game this season with its three losses coming by a combined 15 points. The Bucs are probably filled with a little more confidence than usual too after their 38-10 smash of the Chiefs last Sunday.
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Predictions:
New Orleans Saints -1.5 (-110), Over 49 (-110)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +1.5 (-110), Under 49 (-110)
NFL Free Picks: New Orleans at Tampa Bay (Best Bet)
What pro football bettors need to know about New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday (10/21/12) - a best bet from Pregame.com's Vegas Runner, with Chuck Edel and host Chris Andrews.
-25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
Enter the $1000 Week 7 Fantasy Football Tournament:
-It’s only $2 to enter
-$1000 in prizes
-It has 555 seats, and you can enter up to three teams
-Tournament starts at kickoff on Sunday, October 21st
-Players can edit lineups up until kickoff