The New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet Sunday in NFL action from Raymond James Stadium. The Saints beat the Rams last Thursday, which improved New Orleans to 7-8 overall. As for Tampa Bay, they’ve won four straight games at 8-7 on the season. The Buccaneers beat Jacksonville in their latest matchup. Let’s get into our Saints vs. Buccaneers prediction. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.

New Orleans Saints 

The Saints have had mixed results this year, and went into their bye week with a .500 record. Since then it’s been a 2-3 run with wins over the Panthers and Giants. New Orleans is giving up just 19.8 points per game this season, but averaging only 22.1 points per game themselves. The running game has been a weakness for the Saints, as they’ve averaged only 98.7 yards per game with 11 rush scores. 

New Orleans took a tough loss to the Rams in their latest outing. After falling behind 27-7 after three quarters, the Saints managed some cosmetic points in the fourth for a 30-22 result. Derek Carr put up 319 yards with three scores and an interception, while Chris Olave led the receivers int his 123 yards off nine catches. 

New Orleans Saints Team Facts

• The Saints have won eight of their last nine games played as underdogs on the East Coast.
• The Saints have covered the spread in each of their last nine games played as underdogs on the East Coast.
• The Saints have won the first quarter in four of their last five games as underdogs in Florida.
• The Saints have won the first half in each of their last six December games against NFC South opponents.
• The Saints have scored the first touchdown in eight of their last nine games played as underdogs on the East Coast.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Over on the Buccaneers’ side, they were sitting at just 4-7 through seven games this year but have hit a four-game win streak since then. Tampa Bay took out the Panthers, Falcons, Packers and Jaguars in that time. The Bucs’ offense is contributing just 21.7 points per game though, with something of a weak running game (89.3 yards per game) themselves. 

Tampa Bay didn’t have a ton of issues against a struggling Jaguars team in their last game. The Buccaneers were up 30-6 going into the final frame and held on for the 30-12 win. Baker Mayfield posted 283 yards with two scores in the victory, and Rachaad White had 39 yards with a rush score. Mike Evans caught two TDs from seven passes for 86 yards. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Facts

• The underdogs have won each of the Buccaneers’ last three games.
• The Buccaneers have covered the spread in each of their last six games as favorites when playing with a rest disadvantage.
• The Buccaneers have lost the first quarter in seven of their last eight games as favorites following a win.
• The Buccaneers have won the first half in each of their last six games against teams that held a losing record.
• The Buccaneers have scored the first touchdown in each of their last four games played on the East Coast.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Buccaneers rank 32nd in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game this season (264.1).
• The Buccaneers rank 2nd in the NFL in 4th down percentage this season (64.7%).
• The Saints rank 32nd in the NFL in average yards per punt this season (42.7).
• The Saints rank 1st in the NFL in H2 opponent points per game this season (7.7).

ANDREW’S FREE SAINTS VS BUCCANEERS PREDICTION 

I’ll probably just stay with the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay is coming off a pretty good overall effort versus the Jaguars in their latest win, notching 22 first downs and 335 total yards (265 passing). The Bucs also bagged four takeaways (two fumbles) in that victory, which is a good sign coming into this week. Tampa Bay has scored quite well lately with 29 or more points in three straight games. 

As for New Orleans, they’ve hit 22 or more points in four straight games and given up a combined 12 points in two of the last three. That pair was against the Giants and Panthers however, who have had their own struggles this year. Tampa Bay should be able to put up a better offensive effort than that so I like the Bucs to power out the cover in the end.