The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-1) and New Orleans Saints (4-2) will face off in a divisional matchup on Sunday. The Buccaneers sit atop the NFC South standings, and the Saints are right behind them. Both sides have strong run defenses, but Tampa Bay's passing attack could provide a significant edge in the Week 8 matchup. Both teams are coming off wins last week.

Kickoff is at the Caesars Superdome is set for 4:25 p.m. ET. Tampa Bay is a four-point favorite in the latest Buccaneers vs. Saints odds from Caesars Sportsbook, and the Over-Under for total points scored is 48.5. Before locking in any Saints vs. Buccaneers picks, you need to check out the NFL predictions and analysis from the red-hot SportsLine Projection Model.

The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up almost $7,700 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception six-plus years ago. The model enters Week 8 of the 2021 season on an incredible 126-85 run on top-rated NFL picks that dates back to the 2017 season.

The model also ranked in the top 10 on NFLPickWatch four of the past five years on straight-up NFL picks and beat more than 94 percent of CBS Sports Football Pick 'em players four times during that span. Anyone who has followed it is way up.

Now, the model has broken down Buccaneers vs. Saints on Sunday and just released its coveted picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's Week 8 NFL picks. Here are several NFL odds and betting lines for Buccaneers vs. Saints:  

  • Buccaneers vs. Saints spread: Buccaneers -4
  • Buccaneers vs. Saints over-under: 48.5 points 
  • Buccaneers vs. Saints money line: Tampa Bay -200, New Orleans +170 
  • TB: Buccaneers are 10-1 straight-up in their last 11 road games 
  • NO: Saints are 5-1 against the spread in their last six games against the Buccaneers

Why the Buccaneers can cover

The Buccaneers haven't lost since falling short against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3 and could extend their winning streak on Sunday. They've had close calls on the road since their latest loss, but this matchup is ideal for Tom Brady and company. New Orleans' one-dimensional offense could be limited by Tampa Bay's prolific defensive line.

Tampa Bay has given up a league-low 472 rushing yards and allows fewer than 70 rushing yards per game. New Orleans depends on star running back Alvin Kamara to power the offense and could struggle to put points on the board if he can't move the chains consistently. While the Buccaneers' secondary is weak, the Saints haven't been productive without Michael Thomas out wide.

Why the Saints can cover

New Orleans is riding a two-game winning streak and has enjoyed plenty of success against Tampa Bay without spectacular quarterback play. The Saints are 5-1 straight-up in their last six games against the Buccaneers. Their well-rounded defense has a lot to do with that.

The Saints have given up the second-fewest rushing yards in the NFL, and they're prolific against the pass as well. Only the Buffalo Bills have allowed fewer touchdowns, which could spell trouble for a Buccaneers offense that relies on the pass. Antonio Brown is out with an ankle sprain, but Rob Gronkowski could play for the first time since Week 3. This game could go down to the wire if Tampa Bay's receiving corps isn't at 100 percent.

How to make Buccaneers vs. Saints picks

The model is leaning under on the total point. It projects both sides to combine for 49 points. It also says that one side of the spread cashes in over 50 percent of simulations. You can only see the model's Saints vs. Buccaneers picks at SportsLine.

So who wins Saints vs. Buccaneers? And which side of the spread cashes over 50 percent of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Saints vs. Buccaneers spread you should be all over, all from the model on a 126-85 roll on its top-rated NFL picks, and find out.