In the final game of the Divisional round of the NFL Playoffs, we have the No. 5-seed Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking on the No. 2 seed New Orleans Saints Sunday at 6:40 p.m. ET.
The Saints will be looking to defeat the Bucs for the third-straight game this season, which is a tall feat. Last week, the Saints, who were double-digit favorites defeated the Chicago Bears 21-9 during Super Wild Card Weekend. The Bucs went on the road and defeated the Washington Football 31-23. In that game, quarterback Tom Brady was 22-of-40 for 381 yards and two touchdowns.
So where are sports bettors going as we get closer to this Divisional round game between the Bucs and Saints? Let’s take a look. All odds and info were provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Point Spread
The Saints are currently favored by three points, and 47% of bets placed on the point spread are for the Saints to cover, betting 49% of the handle. Conversely, the other 53% of bets and 51% of the handle lie with the Bucs to cover.
Is the public right?
One could make the case that the public is right since the Saints have throughly defeated the Bucs in two games this season. In both of those games, New Orleans Saints covered easily. Additionally, they have been phenomenal against the spread in their last 10 games with a record of 8-1-1. The only loss came against the Eagles and that was with Taysom Hill at quarterback. However, the Bucs have done a good job against the spread with a record of 4-2. It’s tough to beat a team three times in one season, I’d take Tampa Bay and the points.
Over/Under
The over/under for this game is set at 51.5 points. Bettors are placing 24% of bets and 18% of the handle on the under. In a majority, 76% of bets are being placed on the over with 82% of the handle.
Is the public right?
Yes, the public is right! We’ve seen Brady and Bucs be on an absolute tear in the second half of the season. In their last three games, Tampa Bay is averaging 40.7 points per game, which is first in the NFL. The Saints are not too far behind them, averaging a decent 35.3 points per game.
Now granted, these two offenses are clicking but their defenses aren’t too shabby either. New Orleans is only allowing 16.3 points per game, and Tampa is right after them with 19 points per game. I doubt we see 38-35 type game but whoever reaches 30 points first might end up winning the game.
Moneyline
The New Orleans Saints are favored to win this game, with odds at -175. They are receiving 34% of bets to win with 26% of the handle. The Bucs moneyline sits at +150 and is receiving 66% of moneyline bets with 74% of the handle.
Is the public right?
Despite the Saints being favored to win the game, there’s a lot of action on the Bucs to win, which makes a ton of sense. As previously mentioned, it is hard to sweep a team in the regular season, let alone beat them three consecutive times. The last time New Orleans saw this Bucs’ team, Antonio Brown was still getting acclimated inside the offense. With Brown knowing his role and the defense getting back linebacker Devin White, I like Brady and the Bucs to come away with the victory.
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