New Orleans Saints
vs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 14
NFL Pick
12/11/16
The Saints have hurt their chances at the post-season as of late since they have lost 3 of their last 4 Games. They still have a chance for the post-season, but they may have to win out and get help. Their offense has not been the problem this season with Drew Brees leading the league in passing yards and the team scoring the 2nd most points per Game. However, Brees did not put up big yards in the last Game and with the New Orleans defense, which ranks 30th in points allowed per Game, they will lose if that does not happen.
The Bucs have won 3 in a row and with the Falcons struggling Tampa is now tied with Atlanta for first place in the NFC South. The defense has really been the reason for their win streak only allowing an average of just over 13 points per Game. Jameis Winston has been playing well, but the D will be key facing Brees and the New Orleans offense that can light up the scoreboard.
In the last 4 Games between these NFC South rivals the underdog is 4-0 ATS.
On their last Game the Saints lost to the Detroit Lions 28-13 where they failed to cover on the road as a 6.5-point underdog.
The Bucs won their 3rd straight in their last Game beating the San Diego Chargers 28-21 where they covered as a 3.5-point road underdog.
Brees passed for 326 yards in the loss to the Lions, but he threw 3 INT. Overall, the Saints had more total yards in the Game, but their drives where thwarted by the turnovers. Mark Ingram is the lead RB for the Saints and he only had 37 rushing yards in the loss in the Game. The Bucs have played pretty good D as of late, but they still only rank 25th in the NFL in pass defense, which is not a good stat facing the aerial attack of the Saints.
Winston went for 280 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT in the win over the Chargers and he had to do most of the work since lead RB Doug Martin rushed for 45 yards and only averaged 2.6 yards per carry. Tampa Bay is at home, but they have a better road record this season only winning 2 of their first 6 Games in their house.
New Orleans is 7-0 ATS in their last 7 road Games, 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Games following a ATS loss, and in their last 8 Games on the road the posted total has gone Under 6 times.
Tampa Bay is 4-0 ATS vs. a team with a losing record, 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Games following a ATS win, and in their last 7 home Games they have an Over record of 5-2.
Bettorsworld Pick – Tampa Bay -2.5