Important NFC South clash for Brady bunch at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
The New Orleans Saints are the visitors for the Division-topping Bucs in the very early hours of Tuesday morning UK-time. What a tight affair this term – Tom Brady and company have already lost 6 matches, and they’re still top of the pile!
The path to postseason then rather depends on winning the South, as a wild-card spot is looking increasingly unlikely given records in the other three NFC divisions. Bucs (5-and-6) hardly dwarf bottom-placed Saints (4-and-8), so a potential win here would be absolutely priceless for both.
Early betting – on the money line, Bucs 8/15, Saints 6/4. Spread (handicap) betting sees Bucs -3.5 @ 10/11, and Saints +3.5 @ 10/11. Total points is pitched at 39.5, with under @ 20/21, and over @ 20/23.
Prices and lines can fluctuate between now and game-time.
Two rather stuttering outfits then. Who has the ‘necessary’ to get over the line? There’s very little on official rankings between the two, on either offense or defense. Saints are the slightly higher average scorers – but have conceded more. Both have injury concerns.
Brady has been having difficulty of late converting on third down, and in the red zone. Most un-Brady-like. For the Saints, veteran Andy Dalton is in the QB hot-seat presently, a far cry these days from the years and years of record-shredding Drew Brees magic.
The sides met in the Superdome in September, when hopes were still high for both; Bucs coming out 20-10 winners. Brady threw for only 190 yards on the day, but Tampa’s D were hot on the intercepting front, adding vital points.
In what’s a thrillingly unpredictable NFL season this match isn’t one for any foolish, grand statements – but the evidence is drawing me towards playing the under in that points total. Outcome-wise that’s tough, but I do think the first half total points can be played, and a #Pickyourpunt field goal wager.
We’re being cagey here, but I feel that might be the way to go.
Selections – Total game points under 39.5 @ 20/21
First half total points under 19.5 @ 11/10
#PYP – Both teams to score a first-half field goal @ 11/8
Enjoy!
