The Tampa Bay Buccaneers not only lost at Detroit on Monday night but had salt thrown on the wound after losing star receiver Mike Evans to a broken collarbone.
Tampa Bay has only a few days to get over that loss and get ready for an NFC South rivalry with the New Orleans Saints in Week 8.
Here are my early leans, Buccaneers vs. Saints predictions, and NFL picks for Sunday, October 26.
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Buccaneers vs Saints predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early Buccaneers vs Saints spread pick: New Orleans +4.5
The look-ahead line for this divisional rivalry was Tampa Bay Buccaneers -6.5. In the wake of Monday’s loss to the Lions, that spread re-opened at Bucs -5.5 and was bet down to -4.5 with early opinion on the New Orleans Saints.
Beyond the loss of Mike Evans, this is a tough situational spot for Tampa Bay. It not only plays on a short turnaround, but this will be the Bucs’ second straight road game and third in four weeks. You also have a “letdown” looming after a big game on MNF and a possible “look-ahead” to a much-needed bye in Week 9.
New Orleans comes back home after a very sloppy game in Chicago on Sunday. Bad weather and a ball-hawking Bears defense forced four turnovers from NOLA, but the Saints seemed to hang around until late in the fourth quarter.
I’ll respect the early movement and lean toward the home side getting points, with Tampa in a tight situational sandwich in Week 8.
Early Buccaneers vs Saints total pick: Under 47.5
New Orleans' defense played much better than the final score would indicate, as the turnovers gave Chicago extra touches and excellent starting field position on offense.
The Saints limited the Bears to 3-for-12 on third down and gave up touchdowns on only two of Chicago’s six trips inside the red zone. New Orleans’ stop unit is improving, sitting No. 8 in EPA allowed per play since Week 5.
The Buccaneers defense has been picked apart by some high-flying offenses in 2025, but NOLA is not that. The Saints lack explosive plays, boasting a league-low 12 passing completions of 20 yards or more.
Quarterback Spencer Rattler remains the starter for Week 8, according to head coach Kellen Moore, but we could see New Orleans give rookie Tyler Shough a shot should Rattler continue to struggle.
Either way, these QBs are staring down a very aggressive Todd Bowles defense that loves to bring extra pass rushers. That won’t allow downfield looks to develop, and will have NOLA utilizing the run and short passing game.
Buccaneers vs Saints odds
- Buccaneers vs. Saints spread: Saints +4.5
- Buccaneers vs. Saints moneyline: Buccaneers -235, Saints +194
- Buccaneers vs. Saints Over/Under: 46.5
How to watch Buccaneers vs Saints
- Buccaneers vs. Saints matchup
- Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025, 4:05 p.m. ET
- City: New Orleans, LA
- Venue: Caesars Superdome
- TV: DAZN
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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