Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Buccaneers @ Saints -12 — O/U 47.5
Has anyone else noticed what’s going on down in New Orleans? The Saints have lost three of four and could well fall out of the playoff race this weekend. Should they lose and the 49ers stumble vs. the Cardinals, the Saints could well be marching right out of the Super Bowl tournament. Couple that with a team that has played much better the 2nd half of the year in Tampa under the controversial Greg Schiano.
What I believe I see here is that there is a specific formula to beat the Saints: a great pass rush and knocking the receivers off their routes. However, the opposing team must have the personnel to perform the feat. I believe that the Bucs have this type of defense. They may not win, but I’ll take the Buccaneers and 12 points on the road.
Random note: several years ago the 2003 KC Chiefs were unbeaten after nine games — they lost three of their last six to stagger into the playoffs, where they lost to the Colts 38-31.