NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Table of Contents
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will travel to Caesars Superdome for a divisional matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 8 of the NFL season.
Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 4:05 PM ET on FOX. The Bucs enter at 5–2, still within striking distance of the NFC’s top seed, while the struggling 1–6 Saints are desperate to halt a free fall that has them anchored at the bottom of the NFC South.
Dominate the Sportsbook with Proven Picks
All Sports, One Winning Strategy
Line Movement and Odds
Despite being on a short week after Monday’s loss to Detroit, the Buccaneers opened as 4-point road favorites and have held steady thanks to their dominance in this divisional series and New Orleans’ turnover woes.
Current Odds:
- Buccaneers Spread: -4.0 (-109)
- Saints Spread: +4.0 (-110)
- Buccaneers MoneyLine: -224
- Saints MoneyLine: +187
- Over/Under: 46.5
For up-to-date spreads and live totals, visit the NFL scores and odds page.
The Buccaneers Can Win If…
The Buccaneers need to rediscover their offensive rhythm after managing just nine points in their 24–9 loss to Detroit on Monday night. Baker Mayfield threw for 228 yards and a touchdown, but inefficiency on early downs and an unbalanced attack (50 passes, 12 rushes) doomed their drives.
Head coach Todd Bowles stressed the importance of reestablishing offensive balance:
“We can’t run the ball 11 or 12 times and expect to win. We’ve got to be more balanced than that.”
Even without Mike Evans (collarbone/concussion), Mayfield still has enough weapons if Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka can suit up. Rookie Bucky Irving could play a pivotal role in reenergizing a run game that ranks 26th in yards per carry (3.5).
Defensively, Tampa Bay remains elite — fifth in sacks (24) and top-10 in takeaways — anchored by Haason Reddick, Lavonte David, and Antoine Winfield Jr. (toe, questionable). Expect the Buccaneers’ front seven to attack rookie QB Spencer Rattler relentlessly after he committed four turnovers in last week’s loss to Chicago.
If the Bucs can win first down and force Rattler into long-yardage situations, their pass rush will take over.
The Saints Can Win If…
The New Orleans Saints need Spencer Rattler to rebound from his ugliest performance of the season. In Chicago, he threw three interceptions, lost a fumble, and consistently forced throws under pressure. Yet, there’s no denying his arm talent — Rattler has topped 230+ passing yards in five of seven starts, with Chris Olave emerging as his top target (440 receiving yards).
The challenge? Protecting Rattler long enough to take shots downfield. The offensive line, already thin, lost center Erik McCoy (biceps) for the season and will now face one of the most aggressive defensive fronts in football.
Defensively, the Saints must find a way to contain Mayfield without exposing their banged-up secondary. Chase Young (illness) is expected back, but corner Alontae Taylor (personal) and safety Julian Blackmon (labrum) remain out.
Home-field energy inside the dome can spark this group, but it will take disciplined play from the front seven and a turnover-free afternoon from Rattler to stay competitive.
Injury Report
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Mike Evans (WR) – Out (Collarbone/Concussion)
- Chris Godwin Jr. (WR) – Questionable (Fibula)
- Haason Reddick (OLB) – Questionable (Knee/Ankle)
- Bucky Irving (RB) – Questionable (Foot/Shoulder)
- Lavonte David (LB) – Questionable (Knee/Rib)
- Antoine Winfield Jr. (S) – Questionable (Toe)
New Orleans Saints
- Chris Olave (WR) – Questionable (Ankle)
- Chase Young (DE) – Questionable (Illness)
- Erik McCoy (C) – Out (Biceps)
- Alontae Taylor (CB) – Out (Personal)
- Julian Blackmon (S) – Out (Labrum)
For comprehensive positional updates, refer to the NFL expert betting guide.
Betting Trends
- Buccaneers are 8–1 ATS in their last 9 as favorites.
- Buccaneers are 7–1 ATS in their last 8 road games.
- Buccaneers are 11–3 ATS in their last 14 regular-season games.
- Saints are 2–11 SU in their last 13 as underdogs.
- Saints are 3–6 SU in their last 9 home games.
- Over has hit in 5 of Tampa Bay’s last 7 on the road.
Unlock 5,000+ Winning Picks Every Season
Bet Smarter, Across Every League
Prediction and Analysis
Tampa Bay’s defense should dominate the trenches, especially if the Saints’ offensive line struggles to contain the Bucs’ front seven. Mayfield’s efficiency — even without Evans — gives the Buccaneers enough offensive upside to control tempo and pull away late.
The Saints’ lack of discipline, red-zone inefficiency, and injuries are too much to overcome, even at home. Unless Rattler plays mistake-free football, this one leans heavily Tampa’s way.
Projected Score: Buccaneers 28, Saints 20
Best Bet: Buccaneers -4.0 (-109)
Total Lean: Over 46.5 (-110)
For verified NFL handicapping records, top performer rankings, and ROI-based transparency, visit the ScoresAndStats Handicapper Leaderboard — updated daily with real results.
