NFL Sportsbook Betting Playoff Predictions, Picks, & Odds: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints
The last game of the NFL Sportsbook betting playoffs divisional round is the NFC South showdown. It’s also a battle between probably the two greatest quarterbacks of this era. This is the third time the Buccaneers (12-5 SU, 9-8 ATS) and the Saints (13-4 SU, 10-6-1 ATS) will square off this season. New Orleans won both times, including 38-3 November pummeling. Both teams are coming off convincing wins in the wild-card round. The Saints handled Chicago 21-9, while the Bucs won on the online football wagering road in Washington 31-23.
NFL Sportsbook Betting Betting Line Movement For The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints
The online football wagering oddsmakers set the initial odds favoring the Saints -3.5. After some early money went Tampa Bay’s way, this line dropped to -3. The total saw even more NFL Sportsbook betting playoff movement. After being set at 50 to start the week, it now stands at 52.
Notes On The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs may have been hammered last time they saw the Saints, but we can hardly expect something similar this time around. Bruce Arians’ team has significantly improved over the last two months. Right now they’re on a five-game winning streak. They’ve won those five games by an average margin of 16.2 points. The main thing for Tampa Bay is that Tom Brady is back to his GOAT ways. The legendary quarterback threw for 16 touchdowns against just one interception during this streak. And he’ll be extremely motivated after poor showings and five picks in the two previous matchups against the Saints. Of course, the defense will have to step up, too. Despite solid overall performances, they had no answer for New Orleans this year.
It’s hard to see Brady underperforming in a NFL Sportsbook betting playoff game of such importance. Especially since many anticipate the game to be a shootout. If that’s the case, look for the monster score from the GOAT. We also expect a good game from Mike Evans. He is currently the hottest receiver in the Bucs’ squad. Evans is coming off a great online football gambling game against Washington’s strong secondary.
Notes On The New Orleans Saints
Last week, the Saints completely shut down the Bears. They’ve allowed only 9 points and 239 total yards. The latter number includes 99 yards in garbage time. During the regulars season, they ranked 5th in points allowed. They’ve kept the opposition to only 21.9 points per game. Offensively, they struggled occasionally. Particularly since Drew Brees got injured in Week 10. They’ve lost only twice but were often less than convincing. Brees is back, but still not at 100%. Still, this may be the last season for HOF quarterback and he’s going to give all he has. Getting the better of Tom Brady three times in one season will be all the motivation he needs.
However, the key matchup probably lies elsewhere. Alvin Kamara was a monster all season, but on Sunday he’ll face the best rush defense in the NFL. This shouldn’t discourage potential fantasy owners as he could still get big numbers in a high scoring game. The biggest boost for the Saints in the playoffs is the return of Michael Thomas. Last weekend, he was excellent against the Bears. We see him building on that and putting another good performance on Sunday.
NFL Sportsbook Betting Playoff Predictions, & Picks:New Orleans Saints +3
It’s definitely going to be a tight NFL Sportsbook betting playoff game. But, the Saints already proved that they can handle the Buccaneers. In a close online football wagering game, the home advantage may be the key.
