Matchup: New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Event Date: Sunday, January 5, 2025
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Broadcast: FOX
Betting Odds: Buccaneers favored by 14.0 points
Total Points Over/Under: 45.0
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with a record of 9-7, will take on the New Orleans Saints, who stand at 5-11, at the Raymond James Stadium this Sunday. The Bovada oddsmakers have set Tampa Bay as 14.0-point favorites for this encounter, with the total projected at 45.0 points.
The New Orleans Saints enter this match following a tough season, ending with a 5-11 record. In their previous game against the Las Vegas Raiders, they faced a heavy defeat, losing 34-0. Quarterback Spencer Rattler completed 20 of 36 passes for 218 yards and achieved 1 touchdown, ending the game with a quarterback rating of 59.7 alongside 2 interceptions. Rattler also led the Saints in rushing, carrying the ball 3 times for 46 yards, averaging 15.3 yards per carry. Wide receiver Juwan Johnson recorded 66 yards from 6 catches, averaging 11.0 yards per reception. The Saints managed just 81 rushing yards on 13 attempts, averaging 6.2 yards per carry overall, and accumulated a total of 269 yards from 49 offensive plays. On defense, New Orleans allowed the Raiders to complete 17 passes on 30 attempts for 216 yards and a completion rate of 56.7%. Against the run, they were less effective, yielding 188 yards on 39 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt.
This season, the Saints have amassed a total of 5,150 yards, secured 153 first downs, and have been penalized 102 times for a total of 926 yards. In terms of touchdowns, New Orleans has scored 20 through the air and 15 on the ground, while turning the ball over 19 times (12 interceptions and 7 fumbles). Averaging 118.1 rushing yards per game, the Saints rank 14th in the league, and they have produced an average of 19.9 points per game this season.
As for their pass defense, the Saints have allowed a staggering 3,839 passing yards, placing them 28th in the NFL. They are giving up 239.9 yards per game through the air with a completion percentage allowed of 61.7%. To date, they have conceded 17 passing touchdowns and 19 rushing touchdowns, resulting in an overall defensive liability of 379.0 yards per game, ranking them 30th in the league. Opponents average 4.9 yards rushing against them, totaling 139.1 rushing yards per game this season. New Orleans stands 18th in defensive points allowed, giving up 23.2 points per game and 2,225 rushing yards across the 16-game season.
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The Buccaneers, holding a record of 9-7, enter this clash after suffering a narrow defeat of 26-24 against the Carolina Panthers in their last outing. Baker Mayfield threw for 359 yards with 5 touchdowns on 27 of 32 passing, finishing with a quarterback rating of 153, while avoiding interceptions. Mike Evans shone with 8 receptions for 97 yards, averaging 12.1 yards per catch. Bucky Irving led the ground attack with 20 carries for 113 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt. As a team, Tampa Bay achieved 551 total yards over 72 plays, averaging 7.7 yards per play. The Buccaneers established a solid ground game, generating 202 yards on 40 attempts, while allowing only 31 yards on 20 rushes by the Panthers — a mere 1.6 yards per carry. In passing defense, Tampa Bay conceded a completion rate of 74.3% for 286 yards on 26 of 35 attempts.
This season, the Buccaneers boast an impressive average of 399.9 total yards per game, good for 3rd in the NFL. They average 147.3 yards on the ground, totaling 2,357 rushing yards. The Tampa Bay offense has accrued 749 yards through penalties from 96 infractions, placing them 21st in the league. They have also accumulated 4,041 passing yards so far, averaging 252.6 yards per game, ranking them 3rd in the league. On the scoring front, they shine with an average of 29.7 points per game, positioning them 4th overall in the NFL.
In contrast, their defense allows an average of 22.9 points per game, ranking 17th in the league. They have given up 26 touchdowns passed against them and allowed 244.9 yards per game through the air, placing them 30th overall. On the ground, the Buccaneers have allowed 1,599 rushing yards (99.9 yards per game) and 13 rushing touchdowns this season. Their defense has been on the field for 1,002 plays, ranking 22nd in the league, and they have captured 18 turnovers (11 fumbles and 7 interceptions) thus far.
Free Prediction: Bet on the Buccaneers (-14.0)
