The New Orleans Saints (7-8) travel to face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) on Sunday, December 31st. This game will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Raymond James Stadium and televised on FOX. The Buccaneers are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Saints are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Rams. Kickoff is set for 1:00 ET.

Saints vs Buccaneers

The Saints Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Taking a look at their last game, the Saints suffered a 30-22 loss to the Rams. The Saints had a 8-point loss, resulting in a defeat on their ATS record. They were 4-point underdogs going into the game.

Offensively, Derek Carr ended with 319 passing yards with a completion rate of 67%. The Saints ran the ball 16 times, gaining 35 yards. The team converted 5 of 11 third-down opportunities.

The Saints’ defense wrapped up the game with one sack and one interception vs. the Rams. Additionally, the team’s secondary yielded 325 passing yards, while the rush defense permitted 133 rushing yards.

Heading into their matchup with the Buccaneers, the Saints have a 7-8 record. In the NFC-South, they are in 3rd place and 11th place in the NFC overall.

The Saints have put together an above .500 record versus the spread this season, currently at 4-10-1. Their average scoring margin for this season is +2.3. Throughout this season, New Orleans games have averaged 41.9 points, ranking them 20th in the NFL. They hold an over/under record of 5-10, with an average OU line of 41.5 points.

Saints Injury Report

• Andrew Dowell – Knee (Out)
• Ryan Connelly – Knee (Out)
• Lonnie Johnson Jr. – Knee (Questionable)
• Malcolm Roach – Knee (Out)
• Eno Benjamin – Achilles (Out)
• Michael Thomas – Knee (Out)
• Trai Turner – Quadriceps (Out)
• Marcus Maye – Shoulder (Out)
• Ryan Ramczyk – Knee (Questionable)
• Marshon Lattimore – Ankle (Out)
• Nick Saldiveri – Shoulder (Out)
• Isaiah Foskey – Quad (Questionable)
• Kendre Miller – Ankle (Questionable)
• Payton Turner – Toe (Questionable)

The Buccaneers Are Coming Off A Win

Most recently, the Buccaneers hosted the Jaguars. The game ended in a 30-12 win for Tampa Bay. In addition to winning the game, the Buccaneers managed to cover the spread as 2-point underdogs.

Against the Jaguars, quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 26 of 35 passes for 283 yards and a passer rating of 116. For the game, Mayfield finished with two passing touchdowns.

The Buccaneers defense struggled against the Jaguars offense in their last game, surrendering 23 first downs. In total, Tampa Bay gave up 305 yards of offense, with the Jaguars passing attack completing 63.6% of their passes.

The Buccaneers currently hold the 1st spot in the NFC-South this season, with an overall record of 8-7. In games outside their conference, they have a 2-3 record, and in NFC games, they have a NFC record.

Thus far this season, the Buccaneers hold a record above .500 against the spread, marked at 10-5. Their average scoring margin in the current season is +1.6. So far this season, Tampa Bay games are 20th in total points. Their over/under record is 6-9 and the average over/under line for their games is 41.5 points.

Buccaneers Injury Report

• Rakim Jarrett – Quad (Questionable)
• Ko Kieft – Shoulder (Questionable)
• Mike Greene – Calf (Out)
• Carlton Davis III – Concussion (Questionable)
• Ryan Jensen – Knee (Out)
• Russell Gage – Knee (Out)

Saints Offense Breakdown

New Orleans’ offense comes in with an average of 22.1 points per game, which is currently 12th in the league.

New Orleans currently ranks 8th in passing attempts and has an average of 6.5 yards per attempt (9). With 236.1 passing yards per game, they are positioned 12th in the league.

With an average of 98.7 rushing yards per game, the Saints currently rank 21st in the NFL. This figure is based on 27.3 rushing attempts (12th).

Buccaneers Offense Breakdown

The Tampa Bay offense is currently positioned 15th in the league, scoring an average of 21.7 points per contest.

Tampa Bay’s passing offense, heading into this week’s game, holds the 17th ranking in passing yards. In terms of attempts, they are 17th with an average of 33.5 passes per game.

In terms of rushing, the Buccaneers are averaging 26.3 rushing attempts per game, placing them 29th for rushing yards. They have an average of 3.5 yards per rushing attempt.

Saints Team Defense

When it comes to yards allowed, the Saints rank 14th in the league, conceding an average of 321.6 yards per contest. New Orleans’ defense has allowed 19.8 points per game, which has them 9th in the NFL.

Buccaneers Team Defense

The Buccaneers are currently 7th in tackles for loss and 7th in sacks on defense. Their opponents are scoring an average of 20.1 points per game and gaining 356.2 yards per contest against them.

Saints vs Buccaneers Trends

• Through their last five road contests, the Saints offense has averaged 21 points per game while allowing an average of 25. New Orleans posted an overall record of 1-4 while going 1-4 ATS.
• When looking at their past five home matchups, Tampa Bay has an ATS record of 4-1 while averaging 26 per game. The team went 2-3 overall in these games.
• The last ten games that New Orleans was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 5-5 while going 4-6 straight up.
• The Buccaneers have played well in their last five games as the betting favorite, going 4-1 straight up and 3-2 against the spread.

Saints vs Buccaneers Prediction

Even though the Saints are the 3-point underdogs on the road, I like them to cover the spread against the Buccaneers. In their last game, the Buccaneers defense struggled to get off the field, giving up 23 first-downs. Look for the Saints offense to take advantage of facing a struggling defense.

If you’re looking for a pick on the over/under, the data we have suggests this game finishing below 42 points. For this game, my money is on the under.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.