The New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to square off in a crucial NFC South showdown in Week 6. With both teams recently suffering losses to the Atlanta Falcons, a win in this matchup is essential for keeping pace in the race for the division title. This game could play a major role in determining which team remains in strong contention for the NFC South crown.
What? NFL Week 6: New Orleans Saints v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Where? Venue: Caesars Superdome
When? Sunday, October 13, 1:00 p.m. EST
The New Orleans Saints received tough news on Tuesday. It was confirmed that quarterback Derek Carr will miss at least two weeks. This is due to an oblique injury sustained during Monday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This development has significantly impacted the betting lines. The Saints have shifted from favorites in Week 6 to now being field goal underdogs in their upcoming matchup.
Before the Saints faced the Chiefs on Monday night, New Orleans was a 2.5-point favorite for their Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, after Derek Carr’s injury and the line reopened on Tuesday morning, the Buccaneers were favored by 2 points. With Spencer Rattler stepping in at quarterback for the Saints and making his NFL debut, Tampa Bay now seems like a clear choice. The Saints’ offense has struggled since Week 2. Both the Eagles and Chiefs have exposed their vulnerability. If you take away their deep threat, the offense has little to offer.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers’ offense has been clicking. With the benefit of a mini-bye week, they should be well-prepared for this important NFC South matchup.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 12-6 against the spread (ATS) in their last 18 games and have been strong on the road, covering in nine of their last 12 away matchups. However, the New Orleans Saints have had recent success against the Buccaneers, going 8-4 straight up (SU) and 9-3 ATS in their last 12 meetings. The Saints are also 5-2 ATS in their last seven games and have been particularly effective at home, covering in four of their last five games at the Caesars Superdome. Additionally, New Orleans has gone 4-1 SU in their last five divisional games, further boosting their prospects in this NFC South rivalry.
Buccaneers vs. Saints Key Players
For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, rookie running back Bucky Irving has emerged as a key asset in the offense. He’s averaging an impressive 5.6 yards per carry this season. With starting running back Rachaad White managing just 3.7 yards per rush, Tampa Bay has wisely increased Irving’s workload, and that trend is likely to continue in Week 6.
On the New Orleans Saints side, rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler is expected to take the reins with Derek Carr sidelined due to injury. A fifth-round pick from South Carolina, Rattler entered the NFL with significant hype after a highly regarded high school career, though his college performance fell short of expectations. Following a strong preseason with the Saints, it will be intriguing to see how he handles the starting role in regular season action.
Betting On NFL
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Starting out in the betting industry, Henry later found his calling in sports writing. Specializing in soccer, golf, and darts, he also offers insights into a wide array of sports across the globe. After earning a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry advanced through the ranks at William Hill in England. His career isn't just limited to sports; he's also made a mark in Property and Finance, fields in which he remains engaged. Henry now resides in Barcelona, where he enjoys playing golf year-round as part of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.