Adam Hunger/Associated Press
DraftKings Line: Tampa Bay -5
Two months ago, the New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a double-digit margin. So why are the majority of our experts picking Tampa Bay as a five-point favorite in Sunday night’s rematch?
Well, a lot has since changed. In that Week 1 meeting, the Bucs were just coming together after major offseason adjustments, and that game took place in New Orleans. Now, they’ve meshed and taken off and they’re at home for this Week 9 matchup with a Saints team that has underperformed of late. 
“If the Saints have Michael Thomas, I might change my mind on this one,” Kahler said. “But the Buccaneers will have Antonio Brown available too. This is going to be a great NFC South fight, but I think Tom Brady and the Buccaneers offense is more of a threat than Drew Brees and the Saints. With Brown, they may unlock another level.”
For what it’s worth, Thomas and fellow veteran wideout Emmanuel Sanders (who had COVID-19) have been practicing again as they try to fight back into the lineup. However, star wide receiver Chris Godwin has also returned to practice for the Bucs, who won’t have much trouble supporting Brady with Brown, Mike Evans and Scotty Miller anyway. 
Nothing’s guaranteed when you’re betting against Brees, Alvin Kamara and possibly even Thomas, but the Saints have outscored inferior opponents by just 15 total points the last four weeks, and the Bucs present a different challenge. They’re the No. 1 all-around team in the NFL in DVOA.
PredictionsDavenport: Tampa BayGagnon: New OrleansKahler: Tampa BayMiller: Tampa BaySobleski: Tampa BayTesfatsion: New OrleansConsensus: Tampa Bay -5
Score Prediction: Buccaneers 31, Saints 24