Free Pick: Tampa Bay (6-1) at New Orleans (4-2) 10/31/21

This is a big NFC South game between these two rivals. If the Saints can win, they will pull within one-half game of the Buccaneers and establish themselves as a Top-10 team in the league. A Tampa Bay win would give them a strangle hold in the division nearing the halfway mark of the season. Let’s see what Vegas thinks.

TOTAL TEAM POINTS:

Tampa Bay: Total Team Points 27.5 Led by the ageless Tom Brady,(2275 passing yards with 21 touchdowns), Tampa is as good as anybody on offense. They are averaging 33 points per game and have scored 28 or more points in 5 of the 7 games they have played. Brady is throwing for 324 yards per game and has three quality receivers, (Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Antonio Brown) to share the pass receptions. They will be even more potent when Rob Gronkowski gets back from an injury. The New Orleans defense will be the best they have faced. They haven’t allowed 28 points in any of their six games, but they have played only one team with a winning record (Green Bay). If I were betting this angle, I would take Tampa Bay over 27.5 points.

New Orleans: Total Team Points: 22.5 The Saints offense is producing 23 points per game and a mediocre 297 total yards in their six contests. Jameis Winston is only completing 59% of his passes and the Saints are averaging 176 passing yards per game which is ranked next to last in the NFL. This is coming against six opponents that are a combined 18-24 for the season. The Buccaneer secondary is giving up a ton of yards and the Saints will have to take advantage of that. However, Tampa Bay’s run defense is excellent allowing only 67 rushing yards per game. I would bet New Orleans under 22.5 team points.

OVER/UNDER TEAM TOTALS: 50 The two teams are averaging 56 combined points per game. As stated above, the Bucs are capable of scoring at least 30, alone. But, New Orleans has a good defense and they usually play well in the dome. I don’t think this will be as high-scoring as some might think. I would stay away from this line; but if I had to pick I would take the under.

POINT SPREAD: Tampa Bay -6

I think the Super Bowl Champs are going to get the Saints’ best shot in this one. I think they will win but I think the line is a little bit too high for my taste. I would take New Orleans and the points.

AARON’S PICK: New Orleans over 22.5 points

PAPA DUDES PICK: Tampa Bay over 27.5 points