Preview week 2: Bucs @ Saints
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
TIME 1:00 PM ET, Sep. 18, 2022
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
My feeling on this one is that we are likely looking at a very close game, as is usual when these bitter divisional rivals meet. I’m most comfortable getting the points here with Saints +2.5. I would also consider the Saints on the Moneyline which is in the +130 range.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to New Orleans to face off against the Saints in an early season rivalry matchup of the only two NFC South teams to win their respective week one matchups.
Both teams are riding some momentum after the Bucs dismantled the Cowboys last week in Dallas with a 19-3 victory. The Bucs defense played well, limiting last year’s #1 offense to a measly three points. Running back Leonard Fournette paced the offense with 127 yards, and while Tom Brady did not look in top form, both Mike Evans and newcomer Julio Jones made significant contributions in the passing game. The best is sure to come for the offensive group.
The Saints on the other hand, had to come back from a 16-point 4th quarter deficit in order to sneak a win out of Atlanta vs. the Falcons. Head Coach Dennis Allen’s Saints debut was a memorable one as the 16-point deficit was the biggest fourth quarter comeback in franchise history. Saints receiver Michael Thomas had a huge impact after missing nearly two full seasons due to injury, grabbing two touchdown catches.
The Buccaneers have themselves favored by 2.5-points in this one, but some observers may be wondering why. The Saints swept last season’s series vs. the Bucs in convincing fashion, including the finale in December which saw the Saints win 9-0, handing a Tom Brady-led offense only the third shutout of his storied career.
The Saints pass rush was relentless in that one, and harassed Brady from start to finish. Making last year’s sweep even more impressive, consider that the Saints were without their starting QB Jameis Winston during those games, and missing the aforementioned Michael Thomas as well. Both players are back healthy again and that should probably trouble Bucs fans.
Interestingly, Brady has as much or more trouble with Saints defenses than any others that he faces. Outside of his former AFC East rivals, throughout his career the Saints have sacked Brady more than any other team. Their +66 point differential is the most of any team vs. Brady led teams. Simply stated, Tom Terrific does not like to play the New Orleans Football Club.
For a full game week 2 schedule on TV and stream click here!
Both teams have some injury concerns with star players, as Bucs WR Chris Godwin is not expected to play with his bad hamstring, and Saints RB Alvin Kamara nursing sore ribs, but expected to give it a go on gameday.
New Orleans is 7-1 straight up vs. the Buccaneers in their last 8 meetings, and hold the all-time edge 39-21. Week 2 has not been friendly to the Saints in recent memory however, having on 0-5 against the spread in the past five seasons. Tampa plays well on the road and is 5-0 straight up in its last five.
My feeling on this one is that we are likely looking at a very close game, as is usual when these bitter divisional rivals meet. I’m most comfortable getting the points here with Saints +2.5. I would also consider the Saints on the Moneyline which is in the +130 range.
Author: Dan Anderson