NFL is back! First up, Buccaneers Saints Week 1 NFL betting picks. The New Orleans Saints will kick off their season with a matchup against the new-look Tampa Bay Buccaneers in what will be the most anticipated game of the weekend. The game will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday, September 13. It is scheduled to begin at 4:35 PM. ET.
Tampa Bay Preview:
The Buccaneers underwent a major shakeup in the offseason. Signing former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady Also, tight end Rob Gronkowski. They also signed recently released running back Leonard Fournette. This to give them much-needed depth at the position.
Due to their offseason, the Buccaneers have become one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl, but they will have to contend with the Saints in the division.
Defensively, the Buccaneers 28.1 points per game. They addressed some of their defensive problems through the draft. Also, brought back key players like Shaquil Barrett, Ndamukong Suh and Jason Pierre-Paul. One tough defense!
Betting Odds for NFL Buccaneers Saints Week 1
Their defense remains a question mark. However, it should be better than it was last season. Which will make them a very dangerous team.
New Orleans Preview:
The Saints won 13 games for the second consecutive season last year, but they were bounced in the Divisional round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Vikings. With Drew Brees starting to lose a step and potentially retiring after the season, this is a very important season for the Saints.
Offensively, the Saints won’t skip a beat this season with most of their starters from last season coming back. They also added Emmanuel Sanders, who played a key role in San Francisco’s Super Bowl run last season, to give Brees another reliable target to throw to.
Defensively, the Saints gave up 21.3 points per game. They managed to retain defensive tackle David Onyemata and brought back safety Malcolm Jenkins.
On paper, they should be one of the best teams in the league once again, but they will face some competition from the Bucs in the division.
NFL Week 1 Odds and Prediction:
The Saints are favored to win this game by 3.5 points. The over/under on total points scored is 49.
The Buccaneers look very good on paper, but their defense is still a cause of concern, especially when facing a good offensive team like the Saints. Take the Saints and the over in this game.
