Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints Line

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3) and New Orleans Saints (5-3) will be looking to bounce back from defeats when they meet Sunday at the Superdome.

Odds makers believe New Orleans has the edge.

The Saints are currently listed as an eight-point favorite with the total set at 51.

The Saints were shocked 31-21 last week in St. Louis by the previously winless Rams. Quarterback Drew Brees completed 30 of 44 passes for 269 yards and a touchdown but was picked off twice.

Wide receiver Lance Moore led the team with seven catches for 74 yards and a score.

Running back Pierre Thomas led the way on the ground with 23 yards and a touchdown on seven carries.

The Buccaneers, who are coming off a bye, were last in action on Oct. 23 when they endured a 24-18 defeat to the Chicago Bears across the ocean.

Quarterback Josh Freeman had a rough day. He completed 29 of 51 throws for 264 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted four times. Six of those completions went to wide receiver Mike Williams, who led the team with 75 receiving yards.

Tampa Bay managed just 30 yards on the ground.

Turnovers figure to play a part in Sunday’s matchup just like they did in the first meeting – a 26-20 Tampa Bay victory.

The Saints turned the ball over four times in that game (three interceptions, one lost fumble) while the Buccaneers didn’t commit a single turnover.

The Saints have had more turnovers than their opponents in each of their three losses. Likewise, the Bucs have had more turnovers than their foes in their three defeats.

In addition to turnover margin, the running game also figures to have an impact on this one. The team with the most rushing yards has won five of the last six meetings.

The Buccaneers rushed for 117 yards in the season’s first meeting, and starting tailback LeGarrette Blount wasn’t available for that game. The Tampa Bay running attack could get a boost Sunday if Blount, who has been recovering from an MCL sprain, is able to go. He’s currently listed as probable.

The Saints are 5-0 this season when rushing for 100 yards or more and 0-3 when they don’t.

They certainly missed rookie running back Mark Ingram last week as he sat out with a bruised heel. He’s currently listed as questionable.

Tampa Bay has won six of the last nine meetings in this series, including the last two.

The Buccaneers have been a great investment in the road underdog role. In fact, they are 13-3 against the spread in their last 16 when catching points on the road. It is also worth nothing that they are a perfect 11-0 against the spread in their last 11 road games when matched up against a team with a winning home record.

The Bucs are 7-1 against the spread in their last eight games in New Orleans.

In regard to the total, the under has been the play. These two have finished under the number in each of the last six meetings.

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