The New Orleans Saints will be able to add more fuel to their rivalry with the Atlanta Falcons when they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday. The Falcons own the tiebreakers with the Buccaneers but do not have a better overall record right now. The Falcons are 8-8, while the Buccaneers are 9-7. Atlanta can clinch the NFC South title with a victory over the Carolina Panthers and a Buccaneers loss to the Saints.
On the other hand, a win over New Orleans would award the Bucs with their fourth-straight NFC South title. Simply put, the Falcons are rooting for the Saints to win this Sunday to clinch their first NFC South title since 2016. If New Orleans aspires to end their three-game losing streak and close the season on a high note, they will have to get it done without their top contributors, Alvin Kamara and Derek Carr.
Related: Rebuilding the Saints: Why It’s a Marathon and Not a Sprint
Carr’s season is over after he attempted to return from the left-hand injury suffered in the Week 14 matchup against the Giants. Rookie QB Spencer Rattler will get the start for New Orleans. As for Kamara, the latest report on his status is that he is doubtful about playing this Sunday against the Buccaneers. If Kamara does not play in Sunday’s matchup, he will miss the 1,000-yard rushing mark by only 50 yards. His rush yard total currently sits at 950. Also, fellow teammate Kendre Miller will not see action against Tampa Bay either. Reports have stated that he remains under concussion protocol after the head injury that he suffered in Week 17 against the Raiders. Here’s our Saints versus Buccaneers game preview, scouting report, key matchups, and score prediction for Week 18.
Buccaneers Scouting Report
Head Coach: Todd Bowles
QB: Baker Mayfield
Record: 9-7 (1st in NFC South)
What separates Bucs head coach Todd Bowles from the now-dismissed Dennis Allen? The difference is that Bowles has surrounded himself with high-impact members of his coaching staff, especially on offense. First, Dave Canales engineered the reemergence of quarterback Baker Mayfield, and then current offensive coordinator Liam Coen took it to another level. The former number-one overall pick is having a breakout season with the Buccaneers. Mayfield is third in passing yards (4,279), tied second with touchdown passes (39), and fourth in quarterback rating (107.9).
If Mayfield throws at least one touchdown pass in Sunday’s matchup against the Saints, he will join Tom Brady as the only quarterback in franchise history to throw 40 touchdown passes in a season. Mayfield will not be the only player who will have a chance to make history on Sunday; Mike Evans will have the opportunity to tie Jerry Rice for the most 1,000-receiving yard seasons in the NFL with 11.
Team Rankings and Stats
| Stat | Offense (Rank) | Defense (Rank) |
|---|---|---|
| Points/Game | 29.7 (#4) | 22.9 (#17) |
| Yards/Game | 399.9 (#3) | 344.9 (#21) |
| 3rd Down Conversion % | 50.00% (#1) | 39.09% (#15) |
| Rush Yards/Game | 147.3 (#4) | 99.9 (#5) |
| Pass Yards/Game | 252.6 (#3) | 244.9 (#29) |
Key Matchups
Saints Pass Offense vs. Buccaneers Pass Defense
Tampa’s pass defense ranks near the bottom of the league, allowing 244.9 passing yards per game (29th). This presents an opportunity for Saints QB Spencer Rattler to showcase his abilities, particularly with young receivers stepping up instead of injured starters.
Saints Defense vs. Buccaneers Rushing Attack
Tackling woes have plagued New Orleans all season, and they’ll face a tough challenge containing Irving and White. The Saints’ defensive line must rise to the occasion to limit Tampa’s ground game.
Baker Mayfield vs. Saints Secondary
Mayfield has excelled in exploiting weak secondaries, and the Saints’ defensive backs must find a way to disrupt his rhythm to prevent big plays to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Score Prediction
With so much on the line for Tampa Bay and little pride left for New Orleans, this game has all the makings of a one-sided affair. The Buccaneers have consistently proven themselves capable of executing in high-pressure situations, while the Saints have struggled to put together a complete performance. Spencer Rattler will face an uphill battle against a Tampa defense determined to close the season on a high note.
Final Score: Buccaneers 38, Saints 21
Saints fans can find solace in this being the final game of a trying season. The offseason promises significant changes, and the road to rebuilding begins now.
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