New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The New Orleans Saints hit the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a matchup that is sure to be better than one might think. 

These two NFC South teams have great playmakers, but most importantly, they have quarterbacks that they know they can count on. 

Drew Brees vs Josh Freeman will be a fantastic battle to watch on Sunday afternoon. The Bucs need Freeman to step up and show that last week's performance was a fluke, and that he can win the games against the tough opponents. 

This is a game that the Saints should win, but because it's in Tampa Bay this is no guarantee win for New Orleans. 

With that said, let's take a look at some specifics of this NFC South showdown. 

When: Sunday, Oct. 16 at 4:15 p.m. ET 

Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

Watch: FOX

Spread 

The Saints are favored at -5, which is an interesting line. One would think they should beat the Buccaneers by a touchdown, but last week the Saints struggled on the road against the Carolina Panthers, only winning by three points. 

I still like the Saints to cover here, but that doesn't mean the Bucs aren't capable of preventing that or even winning straight up. The Saints are 3-2 ATS, whereas the Bucs are 2-3 on the year. 

Over/Under 

The over/under is set at 49.5, and I really like this game to go over. Neither team has a shutdown defense, and both teams should be able to surpass 25 points. 

The only part of this I'm skeptical about is the fact that the Bucs haven't put many points on the board in the last few weeks. They're back at home, which will help, plus the Bucs know they have to come out strong and score because Brees and the Saints can score at will. 

Tampa Bay will play much better football on Sunday, and they've also gone over in four out of five games this season, which is why I'll take the over here.

Key Injuries 

For the Saints, wide receiver Devery Henderson (calf) is probable for Sunday, as well as linebackers Jonathan Vilma (knee) and Martez Wilson (neck). Linebacker Will Herring (hamstring) remains questionable, though.

For the Buccaneers, top running back LeGarrette Blount has a Grade 2 MCL sprain and is unlikely to play. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (ankle) is questionable, and corner back Aqib Talib (knee) is probable for Sunday.   

Fantasy Big Plays 

Drew Brees is a must-start, as usual, but other Saints players I like on Sunday are tight end Jimmy Graham, Henderson (should he play) and also Darren Sproles. 

I think Josh Freeman bounces back and has a strong game, especially since Blount is out. Quickly go pickup Earnest Graham if he's still available, because he's going to get the bulk of carries for the Buccaneers on Sunday. 

Keys to New Orleans Win

All the Saints need to is let Drew Brees go to work. He's one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and he should have another great performance on Sunday. 

If New Orleans can get the running game going against Tampa Bay on Sunday, then the Saints should have no trouble winning the game.

Avoiding turnovers are always a key to winning, and since Blount is unlikely to play, the Saints defense will only need to focus on shutting down Freeman.

Keys to Tampa Bay Win

Josh Freeman has to step up with Blount on the sidelines, which also means that Mike Williams and Kellen Winslow need to get open more. 

Freeman can make plays with his feet as well, and if Graham struggles as the main guy on Sunday—which I doubt, because the veteran is a savvy player—Freeman will have to put the Buccaneers on his shoulders and lead the way. 

Controlling the time of possession will also be key for a Buccaneers victory because keeping Drew Brees off the field as much as possible certainly increases your chances of winning. 

Prediction 

The Saints have won four games in a row now, and they're about to make it five. Drew Brees will get the job done on the road, and it won't be quite the scare he and the Saints had a week ago against Carolina. 

The Buccaneers will put up a good fight, and Freeman will lead a late charge to get the game close, but in the end, Brees won't be denied a victory. He's too difficult to stop, and since Blount will be out the Buccaneers won't have much success running the game or keeping Brees off the field.

Saints 38, Buccaneers 30