This week 17 NFL matchup between the Buccaneers and Saints takes place on Sunday, December 31st at 1:00 ET. The Buccaneers will host the Saints at Raymond James Stadium with the game being televised on FOX. n

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS VS TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: New Orleans Saints +3

This game will be played at Raymond James Stadium at 1:00 ET on Sunday, December 31st.

WHY BET THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS:

  • We have this one finishing with a projected score of 21-20 in favor of the Buccaneers.
  • Our projections have Derek Carr finishing with 246.274 passing yards on 21.492/36.543 passing.
  • The Buccaneers are projected to finish with 324 yards of offense compared to the 320 yards for the Saints.

Is a Road Win Possible for New Orleans?

In the current season, the Saints hold an overall record of 7-8, placing them at 3rd in the NFC-South. Their performance consists of a 1-2 record as underdogs and 6-6 when they are favored. The current scoring margin for the Saints’ is +2.3, and this has contributed to their ATS record of 4-10-1.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Saints currently hold an average of 22.1 points per game, which places them at 12th in the NFL. In terms of the passing game, Saints have an average 236.1 passing yards per game, placing them 12th in the league rankings. At present, 59.7% of their first downs have come through the passing game.

Looking at their ground game, the Saints have been carrying the ball an average of 27.3 times per game and are 21st in rushing yards. They have an average of 3.6 yards per rushing attempt.

The Saints are 14th in the league in terms of yards allowed, giving up 321.6 yards per contest. New Orleans’ defense comes in with an average of 19.8 points per game allowed, which is 9th in the NFL.

Will Tampa Bay Make it Happen at Home?

During this season, the Buccaneers have an overall record of 8-7, which has them 1st in the NFC-South. Their performance includes 5-6 as underdogs and 3-1 when they are favored. The Buccaneers’ scoring margin for the season is currently +1.6. This has contributed to their ATS record of 10-5.

Offensively, the Buccaneers have an average of 21.7 points per game, which is 15th in the NFL. Tampa Bay’s passing attack comes in to this week’s game ranked 17th in passing yards. In addition, they are 17th in attempts, throwing the ball an average of 33.5 times per game.

The Buccaneers come in with an average of 3.5 yards per rushing attempt while running the ball an average of 26.3 times per game. In terms of total rushing yardage, they currently rank 29th in the league.

Defensively, the Buccaneers are currently ranked 7th in tackles for loss and 7th in sacks. Their opponents have been putting up an average of 20.1 points per game against them and accumulating 356.2 yards per contest.