The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off against the New Orleans Saints this Sunday, with a playoff spot and the NFC South title at stake. A win for the Bucs guarantees their entry into the postseason, while the Saints aim to spoil their rivals' aspirations. The Buccaneers are regaining health and confidence, essential for a playoff push.
Historically, the rivalry is fierce, with the Saints holding a significant advantage in their matchups, winning 40 of 66 encounters. However, Tampa Bay triumphed in their earlier meeting this season, dominating New Orleans with a 51-27 victory.
In 2023, the Saints struggled despite signing quarterback Derek Carr, finishing with a 9-8 record and missing the playoffs due to poor offensive line performance and defensive issues. The 2024 season has been even worse, with a 5-11 record leading to a coaching change and the team facing a top-ten draft pick. The Buccaneers must play clean football to secure their playoff spot against a Saints team grappling with injuries and instability.
