Saints (5-2) at Buccaneers (6-2)
Sunday, 8:20 ET, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla. TV: NBC
Danny Sheridan’s line: Buccaneers by 4
Bucs’ keys to victory: It starts with one of the NFL’s best defenses, orchestrated by coordinator Todd Bowles, and a host of playmakers at every level. The unit will be relied on to slow down a talented Saints offense loaded with dynamic players. Pressure on QB Drew Brees will be key, and the Bucs have already bottled up some of the best running backs in the league, including Alvin Kamara in Week 1. Tampa Bay QB Tom Brady needs to keep getting rid of the ball quickly and letting his talented pass catchers make big plays.
Saints’ keys to victory: New Orleans beat the Bucs in Week 1 by taking advantage of their mistakes, so the Saints will have to force them into more of the same. Even if WR Michael Thomas is active for the first time since Week 1, he’s not likely to be at full strength, which means others like TE Jared
Cook will have to step up. On defense, the Saints must get consistent pressure on Brady, making him uncomfortable in the pocket and forcing him into difficult decisions and throws.
Matchup to watch: Bucs WR Mike Evans vs. Saints CB Marshon Lattimore. This has always been an entertaining showdown. Evans is the healthiest he’s been all year, and even if WR Chris Godwin is still out, Tampa Bay has plenty of other playmakers to take attention away and force Lattimore onto an island.
Who wins? In a Week 1 win, the Saints got the benefit of facing a Bucs offense that hadn’t yet built chemistry and confidence with all their new faces. That won’t be the case this time.
Bucs 31-27