Saints vs Buccaneers Spreads 2011 NFL Predictions Week 6: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers play host to the New Orleans Saints, Sunday Oct 16th, who’ll be looking for their fifth straight win. The Bucs won their last meeting 23-13, on the road, in 2011. NFL oddsmakers have the Saints as -4.5 point road favorites over the Buccaneers with the over/under set at 49.5 points. Finish off your NFL Predictions Week 6 right by getting your bet on the latest Saints vs Buccaneers Spreads available now.
New Orleans (4-1, 2-1 V) rallied past the Carolina Panthers 30-27, on the road, in Week 5. QB Drew Brees threw for 359 yards and two touchdowns, including a nearly flawless final drive in which he completed 8 of 9 passes for 80 yards for the win. TE Jimmy Graham had eight catches for 129 yards and he repeatedly beat undersized defenders to the ball for his third straight 100-yard receiving game. WR Marques Colston had five catches for 69 yards in his second game back from a broken collar bone. Despite New Orleans' recent success, Brees believes Sunday's game will be difficult. "When you look at the last five years we've been here, our (head-to-head) record is even with the Bucs, 5-5," Brees said. "There has been plenty of back and forth. They're always good games. They're always physical games. We aspire to be the top team in the division just like they do." Saints RB/KR Darren Sproles leads the NFC in all-purpose yards (804), and his 31 receptions trail only Jimmy Graham among Saints. Though the Bucs have had to gameplan for Reggie Bush in the past, Sproles is performing the jack-of-all-trades role even better and could seriously stress Tampa's defense and coverage units, neither of which looked very good last week in San Francisco.
Tampa Bay (3-2, 2-1 H) lost badly to San Francisco 3-48, on the road, in Week 5. QB Josh Freeman went 17 for 33 for 187 yards with two interceptions and two sacks. Freeman's six interceptions this season equals his 2010 total. RB LaGarrett Blount had 10 carries for 34 yards, while TE Kellen Winslow made five catches for 54 yards. The Saints dominated the Bucs in the two most recent meetings at Raymond James Stadium, winning 38-7 in 2009 and 31-6 last season. Saints quarterback Drew Brees completed a combined 40 of 61 passes for 450 yards, six touchdowns and one interception in those victories. Tampa Bay is hoping to reverse its struggles at home against New Orleans. "A team like New Orleans, it's tough facing them (early in) the year, especially the way they play offense, the way they skin you up," Bucs running back Earnest Graham said. "I don't know what to attribute it to. I know they are coming in this week. They have a game plan and we need to execute ours." Tampa Bay will also likely be sans leading rusher LeGarrette Blount (knee), meaning veteran Earnest Graham could start. And that puts the onus on struggling QB Josh Freeman and WR Mike Williams to carry the offense and prove the Bucs are at least as good. Get $50 in Free NFL Picks here.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
Saints are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Tampa Bay.
Road team is 13-3 ATS in their last 16 meetings.
Saints are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 6.
Saints are 7-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Saints are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 games following a S.U. win.
Saints are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 vs. NFC South.
Buccaneers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog of 3.5-10.0.
Buccaneers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NFC South.
New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
When: Sunday Oct 16th@4:15 PM ET
Pick: Saints -4.5
Point-Spreads recommends you check the latest NFL Point Spreads before the Saints vs Buccaneers game starts.
The Bottom Line: The Saints will win, well over the spread. Start the 2011 NFL season off right by getting your bet on the latest New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Spreads available now.
