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In a pivotal NFC South showdown, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) are set to host the New Orleans Saints (7-8) at Raymond James Stadium with kickoff scheduled for noon CT on Sunday.

Here, we preview the game and highlight some best betting picks and best ways to wager on the clash.

NFL Week 17 Saints vs. Buccaneers odds preview

The Buccaneers, currently leading the division, have hit their stride with a four-game winning streak, including a recent 30-12 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Their impressive run follows a shaky 4-7 start to the season and a win in this matchup would not only extend their streak but also secure their third consecutive division title, a testament to their remarkable turnaround.

The Saints, on the other hand, are grappling with inconsistencies, especially in divisional matchups where they’ve averaged only 18.8 points and 297.3 yards per game.

Following a recent 30-22 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams, the Saints are in a precarious position. A loss to the Buccaneers could eliminate them from playoff contention. Despite their road challenges, with a 3-5 record away from home, the Saints aim to disrupt Tampa Bay’s path to the division crown.

This game is more than just another matchup; it’s a critical juncture for both teams. For Tampa Bay, a victory ensures a home playoff game and continued dominance in the NFC South. For New Orleans, it’s a fight for survival in the playoff race.

NFL Week 17 Saints vs. Buccaneers best game bet: Buccaneers -2.5 (-109 or better)

The Buccaneers’ impressive four-game winning streak, marked by their perfect performance in December, highlights their status as the NFC South’s top team. This winning momentum is further bolstered by Tampa Bay’s offense, which has been averaging 28.5 points in their past four games. QB Baker Mayfield, in particular, has been instrumental in keeping the Buccaneers above .500, outshining his inconsistent counterpart Derek Carr of the New Orleans Saints. This quarterback edge is significant.

Moreover, the Buccaneers’ defense has proven to be a formidable force, effectively stifling the Saints in their previous encounter in Week 4 by restricting them to under 200 yards. While such a dominant defensive performance might not be a regular occurrence, it certainly sets a precedent for the upcoming game.

Additionally, the Buccaneers have been steadily improving their offense, scoring 29 or more points in their last three games. Mayfield, despite mixed opinions, is having arguably his best season. This offensive prowess, coupled with their earlier defensive success against the Saints, positions Tampa Bay as the more formidable and balanced team in this crucial matchup.

NFL Week 17 Saints vs. Buccaneers best player props: Mike Evans over 64.5 receiving yards (-110 or better)

Mike Evans, with his impressive track record this season, is well-positioned to exceed his receiving yards total of 64.5 in the upcoming game. Currently, Evans boasts an average of 77.5 receiving yards per game, significantly surpassing the set prop bet by 13.0 yards. This consistent performance is not a fleeting trend; in eight out of 15 games this season, Evans has successfully exceeded the 64.5-yard mark, demonstrating his reliability as a top receiver.

As the leading receiver for the Buccaneers, Evans’ total of 1,163 receiving yards, secured through 123 targets and 73 catches, stands as the team’s best. His 13 touchdowns underscore his pivotal role in the team’s offensive strategy.

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