[4:25 PM] Saints @ Buccaneers

Who will WIN this matchup?

New Orleans Saints (5-7)

@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5)

 

• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have surged to the top of the NFC South standings, but they need to solve a recent nemesis to stay there. The Buccaneers aim for their fifth straight victory Sunday as they host the New Orleans Saints, who have won eight of the last nine meetings between the division rivals.

• While Tampa Bay has been surging, the Saints have been slipping. New Orleans has lost three of its last four games and is coming off a 28-13 home loss to Detroit last week.

• New Orleans remains one of the league’s most prolific offensive teams, but the running attack that had come to life in recent weeks dropped off in the loss to Detroit. Drew Brees continues to put up huge passing numbers but threw three interceptions and no touchdowns against the Lions. The Saints’ 31st-ranked pass defense had put together three straight solid efforts before being burned for 337 yards by Matthew Stafford and the Lions, although New Orleans continues to play tough against the run.

• Tampa Bay has turned around its season with a balanced offense and an opportunistic defense that has forced 11 turnovers during the four-game winning streak. The defense produced a touchdown and a game-saving interception in the end zone to preserve last week’s 28-21 win at San Diego. Quarterback Jameis Winston is enjoying a strong sophomore campaign but is running out of weapons as injuries have decimated his receiving corps and will need to rely heavily on star receiver Mike Evans and running back Doug Martin.

• Martin has scored a rushing touchdown in four of his last five home games and is averaging 102 scrimmage yards in his last five against the Saints.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Confidence: 4/10

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