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New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Bucs betting odds have the Saints a -3 favorite with little line movement throughout the week, a pretty good indication that the odds makers at Bookmaker.com believe Tampa can cover here. The reason: Most of the betting action is on New Orleans and hence, Bookmaker.com and other odds makers have a pretty solid opinion on this game...at least it seems that way to us.
Heading into Sunday, the Saints were the 5th most bet on team in the NFL this weekend. More than 85 percent of the betting action in this game was on New Orleans.
Something important to note about the Buccaneers, their defense last year was ranked second in the league. They were first against the pass. The question is can this unit reproduce what they did in ‘07.
"I think they can", writes Kevin Moore of End Game. "This season they will have a healthy Cato June, who may be slowed by his injury and still adjusting to playing on grass. And Barret Rudd looks to continue his stellar play. However, the questions may be with the anchor, Derrick Brooks - how much is left in the tank? Can his body handle his physical play for a 14th season?"
The NFC South was one of the most compelling divisions in which to bet since any team could win.
The Saints were an even favorite to win the division while the Bucs are only slightly favored over the Panthers (+200 odds compared to +250 odds for Carolina). There is still value because of the tight competition.
There is reason to be optimistic about the Bucs heading into this game.
"At the time, it wasn't a blockbuster signing, but bringing in free agent center Jeff Faine should really solidify what looks like an up-and-coming offensive line," writes James Alder of About.com. With guards Davin Joseph and Arron Sears gaining valuable experience last year, along with the continued development of tackle Jeremy Trueblood, this group could take a big step forward this year."
This is a well coached team, something that is very important as the Bucs probably played above expectations last season when they surprised everyone by going 9-7.
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Mary Montgomery, Gambling911.com
