The best NFC Divisional round game is set for Sunday, January 17, 2021, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5) visit the New Orleans Saints (12-4). Tampa Bay is the fifth seed and beat the Washington Football Team to advance. New Orleans is the second seed and beat the Chicago Bears to setup this matchup. This game will air live on FOX at 6:40 p.m. EST.
Tampa Bay is into the second round for the first time since they won the Super Bowl in the 2002 season. The win over the Football Team was Tampa’s first playoff win since that 2002 Super Bowl run.
New Orleans is into the Divisional round for the third time in four seasons and will look to get to the NFC Championship game for the second time in three seasons.
These two teams have never met in the playoffs.
Below is my best bet for the Divisional round action between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. All lines are from BetRivers Sportsbook.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints (-3.5): O/U 51.5 (-103/-120)
Last time out, Tampa Bay visited the Washington Football Team and came away with a 31-23 victory in the Wild Card round. Tampa Bay led this game throughout and, even though Washington drove down one score a few times, it never felt like the Buccaneers were going to lose this game. Tom Brady went 22/40 for 381 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Mike Evans and Cameron Brate combined for 199 yards and 10 receptions on the night. Defensively, the Bucs allowed 375 total yards and forced one Football Team interception.
New Orleans hosted the Chicago Bears and easily advanced to the second round with a 21-9 victory. Chicago scored a touchdown was time expired to make this game look much closer than it appeared as New Orleans dominated from start to finish. There wasn’t much to discuss about this game as New Orleans dominated defensively and did what they needed to do on offense to win comfortably. Drew Brees went 28/39 for 265 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Deonte Harris and Michael Thomas combined for 156 yards and one touchdown on 12 receptions. Defensively, the Saints allowed 239 total yards, 99 on the final drive, on the day.
Series History: New Orleans has won five straight meetings, including 34-23 and 38-3 wins this season, and lead the all-time series 37-21.
Game Prediction: I like Tampa Bay +3.5 to get the upset and advance to the NFC Championship game.
2020-2021 NFL Season Picks Results: 65-49-2