Undoubtedly one of the most anticipated football games in some time will go down during the second slate of Sunday action from New Orleans. The time has finally come for Tom Brady to move on from the Patriots, and he’ll be in his brand new Buccaneers jersey for Week 1 of the 2020 campaign.
Playing the highly-talented Saints won’t give Brady all that much time to ease into his new settings. The Saints have been the class of the NFC South for years now, and though Tampa Bay has enhanced their roster – there’s a still a ton to prove for Bruce Arians’ side.
Many figured Brady was done after New England, and though his skills have definitely decreased – his mind still thinks the game at an elite level. In Week 1, he’ll be taking on a top-notch Saints’ defense, and the fact that this is a key divisional showdown so early in the season – makes it all the more meaningful.
If you like football, you’ll be tuning in to this featured showdown during the second-wave of NFL action. It’s the new-look Bucs taking on Drew Brees and the Saints, and it should make for a quality encounter. Read on beneath the odds below for team news and previews, a tactical breakdown, and betting predictions for the Saints vs. Bucs in Week 1 action.
Buccaneers vs. Saints Betting Odds:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3.5 (-110)
New Orleans Saints -3.5 (-110)
Over 47.5 (-110)
Under 47.5 (-110)
*Betting odds provided by BetOnline.ag
Buccaneers vs. Saints Pick:
It’s going to be fascinating to see how Tom Brady and this new-look Buccaneers’ offense looks in Week 1. While the Saints’ defense often gets overshadowed by their high-profile attack, this New Orleans defense is certainly no joke.
They have both Janoris and Malcolm Jenkins in their secondary, and pairing them with Marshon Lattimore will give the Saints enough depth to combat the Bucs’ top receiving duo of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Along the defensive line, New Orleans is also pretty stacked with quality rushers that can cause disruption on their own – without the help of their linebackers or blitzes. That should allow even more coverage against Brady’s throws downfield. It will be key in Week 1 for Brady to manage the football and avoid mistakes, if the Bucs are to be successful against the Saints’ defense.
Tampa Bay also went out and really bolstered their defense across multiple positions, especially within the secondary. There is a real desire to become a playoff team in 2020, and a big start against the Saints would show that they are for real.
Stopping Michael Thomas will certainly prove hard to do however, though an improved Tampa Bay secondary could at the very least limit his effectiveness. On the ground, Alvin Kamara will be charged up after signing his expensive new contract, though the Bucs’ do well to stifle opposing rushers.
Though Tampa’s Mike Evans enters this Week 1 showdown questionable, recent reports suggest he could play – but could be on a snap count. Still, the Bucs have enough pieces on offense, and have upgraded on defense, to be considered worthy opponents for the Saints in the NFC South. New Orleans’ offensive line could be a big issue in this contest with Cesar Ruiz out, and the Bucs’ pass rush should take advantage. Look for Brady to do just enough to squeak out an upset victory in Week 1.
