Buccaneers vs Saints Spreads 2011 NFL Predictions Week 9: The New Orleans Saints play host to the well-rested Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday Nov 6th, as both teams look for their second win in their last four games. The Bucs won their last meeting 26-20, at home, in 2011. NFL oddsmakers have the Saints as -9 point home favorites over the Bucs with the over/under set at 50.5 points. Finish off your NFL Predictions Week 9 by getting your bet on the latest Buccaneers vs Saints Spreads available now.
Tampa Bay (4-3, 1-1 V) was on their bye week in Week 8. In Week 7 they lost to the Chicago Bears 18-24, at home. QB Josh Freeman finished 29 of 51 for 264 yards and two touchdowns. The Buccaneers had to rely on the pass after losing RB Earnest Graham in the first quarter to a right ankle injury. He was starting for the second straight week in place of LeGarrette Blount, who was out with a knee injury.
The Bucs are counting on LeGarrette Blount's return to restore the offensive balance they crave heading into Sunday's matchup at New Orleans. Blount averages 4.3 yards per carry and is the only Buccaneer besides Freeman with a rushing touchdown. "We're going to miss Earnest tremendously, but you can't replace the yards after contact that Blount brings,'' C Jeff Faine said.”He's a guy who can run through a lot of tackles and get you hidden yardage. I know he's hungry and ready to play.'' Bucs opponents are converting at only a 27-percent clip when facing third-down situations of 4 yards or longer. Tampa Bay is 12-1 in the past two seasons when allowing 20 points or fewer, with the only exception a 17-10 loss at Baltimore last November.
New Orleans (5-3, 3-0 H) lost to the St.Louis Rams 21-31, on the road, in Week 8. QB Drew Brees completed 30 of 44 passes for 269 yards with one touchdown. RB Pierre Thomas had seven carries for 23 yards with a touchdown, while WR Lance Moore made seven caytches for 74 yards with a touchdown. The NFC South-leading Saints (5-3) average an NFL-best 35 points, but they never got going against a Rams defense that's ranked near the bottom of the NFL. St. Louis had a season-high six sacks — three by Chris Long — after entering the game with just 11. All three Saints losses have come on the road. Get $50 in Free NFL Picks here.
Drew Brees was all but dismembered against the Rams as Zach Strief's right tackle position became an open door for pass rushers. Just in time, Strief did not appear on the injury list today and is expected to start at home against Tampa Bay this Sunday. Strief's timing is impeccable: the Saints play two crucial NFC South games in the next two weeks. Blount could post impressive numbers against a New Orleans run defense ranked 24th in the NFL with an average of 124.1 yards allowed. Graham rushed for 109 yards in a 26-20 home win over New Orleans on Oct. 16. Drew Brees had a season-worst three interceptions in that defeat, though he did throw for 383 yards. The Bucs failed to sack Brees in that game, but he was sacked a career worst-tying six times last Sunday and threw two more interceptions. "The truth hurts. We've lost two out of three and we've lost them in similar ways," said Brees, whose streak of 35 consecutive games with a TD pass is one shy of tying Brett Favre for second-longest in NFL history.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Under is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.
Buccaneers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings in New Orleans.
Underdog is 13-6 ATS in their last 19 meetings.
Road team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
Buccaneers are 11-0 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Buccaneers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games in November.
Buccaneers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0.
Saints are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 vs. NFC South.
Saints are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 vs. NFC.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints
When: Sunday Nov 06@1:00 PM ET
Pick: Bucs +9
Point-Spreads recommends you check the latest NFL Point Spreads before the Buccaneers vs Saints game starts.
The Bottom Line: I think the Bucs can come close, but a win, no! Start the 2011 NFL season off right by getting your bet on the latest Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Spreads available now.
