Saints Look to Play Spoiler as Buccaneers Eye NFC South Crown
The New Orleans Saints may be out of the playoff race, but they’ve still got something to play for - pride, development, and the chance to throw a wrench into a division rival’s postseason push. This Sunday, they’ll have that opportunity when they square off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team still very much in the hunt for the NFC South title.
Let’s break down what to watch for in this divisional clash, where one team is trying to build for the future, and the other is battling to stay atop the standings.
Where Things Stand
The Saints dropped to 2-10 after a narrow loss to the red-hot Miami Dolphins last week. But the silver lining?
Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough showed real signs of progress. He led a late-game rally that fell just short, but his poise and command were hard to ignore.
For a team focused on long-term growth, that kind of performance is exactly what you want to see in December.
Tampa Bay, meanwhile, snapped a three-game skid with a gritty 20-17 win over the Cardinals. It wasn’t perfect, but it was timely.
The Buccaneers are now 7-5 and clinging to a slim lead in the NFC South. With the Panthers breathing down their necks - and on a bye this week - the Bucs can’t afford to slip.
What to Watch: Key Storylines Heading into Sunday
The NFC South Race Tightens
This is a big one for Tampa Bay. A win would put them one step closer to a fourth straight NFC South crown.
They're just a half-game ahead of Carolina, who will be well-rested when they face the Saints next week. That makes this matchup critical - not just for the standings, but for momentum heading into the final stretch.
Mike Evans Watch
The Bucs may be getting a major boost soon. Mike Evans, sidelined since Week 7 with a broken collarbone, is now in the 21-day practice window. Whether he suits up this week or not, his return is looming - and it couldn’t come at a better time.
Emeka Egbuka Steps Up
With Evans and Chris Godwin out, rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka has stepped into the spotlight - and he’s thriving. The former Ohio State star leads the team in receiving with 791 yards and six touchdowns on 52 catches.
He’s developed a strong connection with Baker Mayfield, and his emergence has helped keep the offense afloat. Fellow rookie Tez Johnson isn’t far behind, with five touchdown grabs of his own.
Boom-or-Bust Bucs Defense
Tampa Bay’s defense has been a mixed bag. They struggle in the red zone and rank near the bottom of the league in pass defense, but they’ve made up for it with timely turnovers.
Defensive backs Jamel Dean, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Anthony Nelson have combined for six interceptions - two of which they’ve taken to the house. That big-play ability has kept them in games even when the defense bends too much.
Saints: Building Blocks Emerging
Shough Showing Signs
Tyler Shough is quietly putting together a compelling case to be part of the Saints’ future. Over his last three starts, he’s completing nearly 70% of his passes with four touchdowns and just two picks.
His chemistry with wideout Devaughn Vele is growing - Vele caught all eight of his targets for 93 yards and a touchdown against Miami. It’s early, but the signs are promising.
Offensive Struggles Persist
That said, the Saints’ offense still has a long way to go. Under first-year head coach Kellen Moore, they’ve scored more than 20 points just once all season - and that was back in Week 5.
They rank 30th in scoring and dead last in red zone efficiency. It’s been a grind, and while Shough’s development is encouraging, the unit as a whole hasn’t found its rhythm.
Defense Holding Its Own
Despite their record, the Saints’ defense deserves credit. They’re seventh in the league in passing yards allowed and ninth in third-down defense. Veteran linebacker Demario Davis continues to lead by example - with 111 tackles, two forced fumbles, and a recovery - while young defensive backs Kool-Aid McKinstry (three picks, nine pass breakups) and Justin Reid (pick-six, 60 tackles) have been impact players in the secondary.
Prediction: Buccaneers 23, Saints 17
The Saints are showing signs of life, especially on defense and under center. But this feels like a game where Tampa Bay’s urgency and improving health give them the edge. With the division still up for grabs and a playoff berth on the line, expect the Bucs to do just enough to get it done - though don’t be surprised if New Orleans keeps it close.
It’s a classic late-season NFC South battle: one team fighting for January, the other playing for the future - and a chance to play spoiler.