On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the New Orleans Saints (2-3) will look to end their three-game losing streak as they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) at the Caesars Superdome.
The Saints enter this matchup as 2.5-point underdogs, making this game crucial for both teams in the competitive NFC South.
Historical Context
This game marks the 66th all-time meeting between the Buccaneers and Saints. Historically, New Orleans has dominated the rivalry, winning 40 of the previous encounters compared to Tampa Bay's 25 victories. However, in recent matchups, the Saints have a slight edge, securing six wins in the last ten meetings.
Game Information
- When: Sunday, October 13, 2024
- Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- TV: FOX
Odds at BetOnline.ag
| Team | Win | Spread | Total |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | -145 | -2.5 (-115) | O42.5 (-105) |
| New Orleans Saints | +125 | +2.5 (-105) | U42.5 (-115) |
Betting Insights
Buccaneers
- Spread Performance: Tampa Bay has covered the spread in three of their five games this season (3-2-0).
- Favorites Record: They have covered the spread only once (1-1 ATS) when favored by at least 2 points.
- Over/Under Trends: The Buccaneers' games have finished with a combined score above the over/under three times this season.
- Moneyline Performance: Tampa Bay has been moneyline favorites twice this season, splitting the results.
- Average Total Points: The average total points in Tampa Bay games is 44.0, slightly higher than the 42.5 total for this matchup.
Saints
- Spread Performance: New Orleans has covered the spread three times in five games (3-2-0).
- Underdogs Record: The Saints have covered the spread twice (2-1 ATS) as at least 2-point underdogs.
- Over/Under Trends: New Orleans games have gone over the total three times this season.
- Winning as Underdogs: The Saints have been underdogs three times and have won once.
- Average Total Points: The average points scored in New Orleans’ games is 42.5, which is 2.0 points higher than the total for this matchup.
Game Preview
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a disappointing 36-30 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, which could jeopardize their bid for the NFC South title. If the Bucs fail to secure a victory against the Saints, they will start their NFC South campaign at 0-2, a scenario that could put them in a tough spot as they aim to catch up with the division leaders.
With the Atlanta Falcons currently leading the NFC South at 3-0, a win for Tampa Bay becomes essential to stay competitive. Given that the Falcons are expected to defeat the Carolina Panthers next week, every game against division rivals will carry extra weight moving forward.
Impact of Rest and Weather
The Buccaneers will have a slight advantage with ten days of rest compared to the Saints, who are coming off a Monday Night Football game. However, the impending arrival of Hurricane Milton could complicate practice plans for Tampa Bay. Despite this, the potential return of key players such as Calijah Kancey, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Luke Goedeke could bolster their lineup.
Urgency for Tampa Bay
As the Bucs prepare for this critical matchup, they must bring a sense of urgency and their best performance to ensure they don’t fall further behind in the NFC South standings. This game is not only vital for this season but could also set the tone for their campaign moving forward.
With both teams facing pivotal moments in their seasons, this matchup between the Buccaneers and Saints promises to be competitive.
Tampa Bay will be eager to capitalize on their rest advantage and overcome recent setbacks, while New Orleans aims to snap their losing streak and assert their dominance in the rivalry.
Expect a closely contested game, with the stakes high for both squads as they vie for a crucial victory in Week 6.