Buccaneers (6-1) at Saints (4-2)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m., Oct. 31, Caesars Superdome, New Orleans TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Buccaneers by 4 ⁄2
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Buccaneers’ keys to victory: Tampa Bay can’t allow the Saints to control the pace of this game. The Bucs may need a heavy workload for RB Leonard Fournette. It’s going to be tempting to take shot plays to WR Chris Godwin, but that’s risky with playmakers like S Marcus Williams, who intercepted QB Tom Brady twice last season, lurking downfield. And that approach extends to defending the Saints, who have built an offense focused on funneling touches to RB Alvin Kamara to control the clock. Second-level defenders like LB Devin White have to tackle more cleanly.
Saints’ keys to victory: Tampa Bay has had a rough time defending the furthest reaches of the field, and that’s where QB Jameis Winston needs to attack early and often. WR Deonte Harris could be healed up from his hamstring injury. On the other side of the ball, the Saints must pull out all the stops to pressure Brady. Getting play-making DT David Onyemata back from his PED suspension will do a lot to help. Also, if DE Cameron Jordan is going to break out and look like his old self, it has to happen here. Every quarterback performs worse under pressure but it’s the only sure way to make Brady look human.
Matchup to watch: Buccaneers WR Mike Evans vs. Saints CB Marshon Lattimore. One of the league’s premier wide receivercornerback rivalries on a big stage.
Who wins? Tampa Bay looks vulnerable despite its strong record, especially if Winston can threaten the Buccaneers deep downfield.
Saints, 35-33