Saints vs. Buccaneers preview: Predictions, odds, and how to watch Sunday's game
The NFL's Week 17 schedule includes a showdown for the top spot in the NFC South between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) and New Orleans Saints (7-8) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
A month after looking out of the playoff hunt entirely, Tampa Bay's riding a four-game winning streak this week. The Buccaneers rattled off wins over Carolina, Atlanta, Green Bay, and Jacksonville to move to the top spot in the division over the last month. Last week's win over the Jaguars was the best showing of the year by Tampa Bay's defense with a season-best four takeaways and 37 rushing yards allowed. Quarterback Baker Mayfield's thrown nine touchdowns to just one interception over this winning streak.
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By contrast, New Orleans has played inconsistently since a Week 11 bye. Losses to Atlanta and Detroit preceded big wins over Carolina and the New York Giants. But last week's 30-22 loss to the Los Angeles Rams saw one of the worst performances of the year for the Saints. New Orleans allowed a season-worst 458 yards on defense and the offense mustered a season-low 35 yards on the ground. Running back Alvin Kamara tallied 35 yards from scrimmage - his fewest in a game this season - and quarterback Derek Carr threw his fourth interception of the last five games.
The two NFC South foes met in Week 4 with Tampa Bay coming away with a 26-9 victory. New Orleans needs a win here to draw even with the Buccaneers at 8-7 and 3-2 in the NFC South ahead of their matchup against Atlanta in Week 18. Tampa Bay could seal the division title with a win and an Atlanta loss this week.
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How to watch New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TV channel and streaming info
The New Orleans Saints kick off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Dec. 31, at 1:00 p.m., ET, on FOX. The game can also be streamed on NFL+ and the Fox Sports app.
Week 17: New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers predictions
Arizona Republic: Buccaneers 27, Saints 20
Jeremy Cluff writes: "This is a huge game in the NFC South, but you have to give the edge to the home team. The Buccaneers' roll will continue."
NOLA.com (Rod Walker): Buccaneers 27, Saints 14
Walker says: "The Saints' postseason hopes are hanging on by a thread, while the Bucs are peaking at the right time. Dennis Allen is 0-3 against the Bucs since taking over as Saints' head coach last season. Don't expect that to change as Bucs clinch their third straight NFC South title."
Sporting News: Buccaneers -2.5
Bob Christ writes: "Tampa Bay does have a weak rushing offense, with a league-low norm of 3.4 [yards per carry], but the Saints aren't exactly high-powered. They're next lowest at 3.6. So, it's likely going to come down to the passing games. The edge goes to Mayfield and the Bucs."
Lineups: Buccaneers -2.5
Dan Treacy says: "New Orleans is 1-5 against teams with a .500 record or better this season, and the Saints haven’t won a road game since October. With the way the Buccaneers have been trending, this will be an uphill battle for Dennis Allen’s group and Tampa should be in line to clinch."
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Week 17: New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers odds, betting lines
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are favorites to defeat the New Orleans Saints, according to the BetMGM NFL odds.
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Spread: Buccaneers (-2.5)
Moneyline: Buccaneers (-145); Saints (+120)
Over/under: 42.5
How to watch: Catch football action with a Fubo subscription
Week 17: New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers injury news
New Orleans Saints:
Player | Position | Injury | Status |
S | Illness | Questionable for Week 17 | |
Lonnie Johnson | CB | Knee | Out |
OT | Knee | Out | |
DE | Quad | Questionable for Week 17 | |
DE | Ankle | Questionable for Week 17 | |
C | Foot | Questionable for Week 17 | |
RB | Ankle | Questionable for Week 17 | |
WR | Ankle | Questionable for Week 17 | |
DE | Toe | Questionable for Week 17 | |
Alvin Kamara | RB | Illness | Questionable for Week 17 |
P | Illness | Questionable for Week 17 |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Player | Position | Injury | Status |
LB | Groin | Out | |
CB | Concussion | Out | |
Mike Greene | DT | Calf | Out |
WR | Quad | Out | |
TE | Shoulder | Out | |
WR | Knee/rest | Questionable for Week 17 |
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Saints vs. Buccaneers predictions, odds, injury news for Sunday's game
