Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Prediction 1-5-25 NFL Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Prediction for this NFL Week 18 game on Sunday, January 5th, at Raymond James Stadium.

The away team has won the last three games played between the two teams. Earlier this year it was the Buccaneers that were able to secure the 51-27 victory. 

Saints Wrap Up Bad Year

The Saints dealt with plenty of injuries this season, but to be heading into the last game with only five wins is unacceptable. The last game for the Saints came against the Raiders, and they scored only ten total points, while the defense gave up 25 points. The Raiders have also been bad this season, and to lose to them by 15 points is not right. The Saints scored only ten points and they are going to need to find a way to turn it around with the offense in this game. Spencer Rattler completed 20 of his 36 passes for 218 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. If he wants to be the future of this franchise, he’s going to need to be better. 

The Saints offense is averaging only 19.9 points whilet hier defense is giving up 23.2 points per game. The offfense is ranked 23rd while the defense is ranked 18th. Like stated above, injuries have been an issue and could be a major issue in his game. Guys like Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, Taysom Hill, and Chris Olave are out for the season. When there are that many injuries to an offense, it’s not all that shocking that they struggle to move the ball. In this game if they want to find success, they are going to need to find a way to not turn the ball over, and to get the offense going. 

Win and In for the Bucs

At this point it’s pretty simple for the Bucs, if they win they are in the playoffs, and they could still get in with a loss, as long as the Falons also lost. After losing to the Cowboys two games ago, they bounced back in a big way against the Carolina Panthers. The offense made quite the statement again scoring 48 points on the way to the blowout win. Baker Mayfield had a strong game completing 27 of his 32 passes for 359 yards and five touchdowns. Bucky Irving is the clear-cut number one back, and he rushed 20 times for 113 yards. Mike Evans caught eight passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns. 

The Buccaneers are averaging 29.7 points while their defense is giving up 22.9 points per game. The offense is ranked 4th in the league while the defense is ranked 17th. This is a team that has done a good job of getting out to fast starts and they are averaging 7.19 points per game in the first quarter. Center Graham Burton is dealing with an illness and he’s questionable for this game. 

Why the Bucs Will Beat the Saints

• The Buccaneers have won each of their last eight games against NFC opponents on a losing streak.
• The Saints have lost four of their last five games.
• The Saints have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games following a loss.
• The Buccaneers have covered the spread in each of their last four January games as favorites against NFC South opponents.
• The favorites have won the first half in each of the Saints’ last four games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Prediction

The Buccaneers are going to put on a show and they are going to glide into the playoffs. The Saints offense isn’t good enough, and they are going to turn the ball over a couple of times. Baker Mayfield, on the season, has thrown for 4,279 yards, 39 touchdowns, and five interceptions. The first time these two teams faced off the Buccaneers scored 51 points, and although they might not score this many points here, they are going to get close. This game is going to be a blowout, and the Buccaneers are going to have all kinds of confidence into the playoffs. Back the Buccaneers against the spread here.