It's quiet at the AdventHealth Training Center as players and coaches for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers enjoy the team's bye week in whatever ways recharges them both physically and mentally. As evidenced by the nine players on the team's injured reserve list and the 18 others who were on the weekly injury report leading up to the last game in New Orleans, it's been a rugged first half to the season, and there's still a long way to go.
It's obviously important that Tampa Bay's banged-up players – which is most of them – get an extended chance to recover before returning to the field for the second half of 2025, but it does mean that those of us who are Buccaneers fans don't have a home-team game to entertain us this coming weekend. But don't worry, there's still plenty of good football to keep us occupied until the Bucs start up again in Week 10 with a visit from the Patriots.
For instance, the first game of the week, on Thursday night, looks quite a bit more interesting now that Lamar Jackson is likely to return for the Ravens and the Dolphins' offense appeared to find itself in Week Eight. This might be your best chance to take a long look at just what the heck is going on in Indy as the 7-1 Colts take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. And Bills-Chiefs? Enough said.
More importantly, what does it all mean for the Buccaneers? If you're watching, say, the Seahawks play the Commanders, which team should you be rooting for if your main concern is Tampa Bay's shot at making the playoffs? Should you actually be rooting for the, ugh, Saints this weekend? (I'm pretty sure Baker Mayfield won't be.)
Allow me to help with that. Here are my suggestions for which teams to root for during the Bucs' bye week, with the games presented in chronological order. This is your 2025 Bye Week Viewing Guide.
Baltimore Ravens (2-5) at Miami Dolphins (2-6), Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
As always, there is not much Buccaneer-related context to any game pitting two AFC teams against each other. In this case, the Buccaneers do play one of these teams later in the season, as they travel to Miami in Week 17. That could be a very important contest if the NFC South standings or the overall conference standings are coming down to the wire. The Dolphins' season looked it was circling the drain before the team went to Atlanta and lit up the Falcons, 34-10, last Sunday. Thank you for that, by the way, Miami. And now I'm going to look ungrateful as I advise everyone to root against you in Week Nine. Would you rather the Dolphins prove that last week wasn't a fluke on get on hot streak, thus profiling as a much tougher out in late December, or would you rather see their will crushed, leading them to limp into the offseason. Yeah, the latter. Plus, it would be fun to see Lamar Jackson and the Ravens somehow go from a 1-5 start to AFC North champions.
Verdict: Go Lamar!
Chicago Bears (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-5), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
In a similar vein, any interconference game between one NFC team and one AFC team is usually going to be an easy call. We're almost always going to want the NFC team to lose, and this one is no exception. The Bears are currently eighth in the overall conference standings, but they're just a half-game behind the 5-3 49ers for the final playoff spot. Chicago will have a hard time leap-frogging the 5-1-1 Packers and the 5-2 Lions in the NFC North, particularly as they are already 0-2 in division play, so this is only relevant to the Buccaneers if they lose their grip on first in the NFC South and are grubbing around for a Wild Card spot. Still, that's a possibility, so we should look ahead and root against any bubble team in the conference field. We'll go with the team that pairs orange with black over the one that goes with orange and blue.
Verdict: Go orange and black!
Minnesota Vikings (3-4) at Detroit Lions (5-2), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
On one hand, we'd like to see the Vikings get buried farther down the standings for the same reasons as mentioned above, but on the other hand the Buccaneers and Lions could be fighting for the NFC's top seed and a first-round bye at the end of the season. Let's dream big! Tampa Bay already has a loss to the Lions on its resume, so they would need to finish at least a game ahead of Detroit in order to win any head-to-head tiebreaker situation. Let's root for young quarterback J.J. McCarthy to get his starting gig back this week and for quarterback-whisperer Kevin O'Connell to get him on track.
Verdict: Go J.J. and KOC!
Carolina Panthers (4-4) at Green Bay Packers (5-1-1)
I'd tell you to hold your nose on this one, but a little farther down the page it's going to get even worse. Yes, Carolina is in second place in the NFC South, two games behind the Buccaneers, and we would obviously like them to lose most of their remaining games. But two of those games are against Tampa Bay in the final three weeks of the season, so the Buccaneers will have every opportunity to take care of that division title business on their own. In this case, the most pressing issue is that the Packers currently own the top seed in the conference even though the Eagles and Buccaneers have more wins, thanks to a superior winning percentage, .786 to .750. Again, we're shooting for the moon here and considering the possibility that the Bucs could earn that top seed and the precious first-round bye that comes with it. The Lions are fun team that is easy to root for and the Panthers are…the Panthers. So you'll probably have to force yourself to do this, but we need to root for the men in teal this weekend.
Verdict: Go Panthers. Ugh.
Denver Broncos (6-2) at Houston Texans (3-4)
Indianapolis Colts (7-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) at Tennessee Titans (1-7), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Three early-slate all-AFC games that don't mean much to Tampa Bay. As I noted early, the Colts are a great story and apparently their offensive is operating at an historically efficient rate. Personally, I haven't had a chance to sit down and watch them yet this season, but that's what I'll be doing at 1:00 on Sunday. Denver-Houston could be fun, too, if the previously sluggish Texans look more like they did in last week's win over the 49ers. Plus, the Bucs have a win over Houston this season, so when the Texans win that improves Tampa Bay's strength-of-schedule and strength-of-victory numbers for potential tiebreakers.
Verdict: Go Texans and any other AFC team you fancy in the early afternoon!
View the top images of Tampa Bay's game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 26th, 2025 at Caesars Superdome.
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Cornerback Jacob Parrish #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Cornerback Jacob Parrish #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 and Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 and Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns an interception for a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns an interception for a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50, Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98, Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts #95, and Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Long Snapper Evan Deckers #86 and Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a turnover during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 and Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a turnover during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a turnover during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 and Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Punter Riley Dixon #9 and Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 and Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blocks a pass during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 and Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 and Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Kaevon Merriweather #26, Safety Tykee Smith #23 and Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 and Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns an interception for a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 and Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers recovers a fumble during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers intercepts a pass during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles and Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Okay, if you can't stomach actively rooting for the Panthers, tune in here instead. The red-hot Patriots, winners of five in a row, are coming to Tampa the following weekend and, yeah, it would be nice if they got taken down a notch or two before that. But it's more important that the 3-4 Falcons get pushed farther down the NFC South standings. They may be in third right now and are coming off a couple ugly losses in a row, but the Atlanta team I witnessed in Week One definitely looked good enough to battle for the division title. The Falcons have a three-gam run against the Panthers, Saints and Jets coming up and they also draw the Cardinals and Saints during the final three weeks. The hardest remaining stretch on their schedule is this one with the Patriots this week and a game in Indianapolis next week. This is when we need Atlanta to be stacking losses.
Verdict: Maye the force be with us. Go Pats!
San Francisco 49ers (5-3) at N.Y. Giants (2-6), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
The NFC West standings are top heavy with the 49ers just a half-game behind the 5-2 Seahawks and 5-2 Rams. The Bucs do have a win over San Francisco to utilize in any seeding tiebreakers between division winners, but they also beat the Seahawks and will have a shot against the Rams in Week 12. I don't think that tiebreaker consideration is enough to make us root for the 49ers, especially against a Giants team that keeps losing its coolest players and doesn't look like it is going to be in playoff contention.
Verdict: We want a bullseye from Dart. Go Giants!
New Orleans Saints (1-7) at Los Angeles Rams (5-2), Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
This the game I was referring to above. Should you be rooting for the Saints this weekend. Sadly, yes. I understand that this could fall on a lot of deaf ears, and I won't blame anyone who roots against New Orleans just on principle. Logically, though, we want 26-year-old rookie quarterback Tyler Shough (rhymes with chuck) to be competent on Sunday so that the Saints have a shot at taking down a team that could end up as the NFC West champions. A second win won't get New Orleans back in the race, but it could make their draft slot a little lower in the long run. Just think about it that way, play a little Ying Yang Twins "Halftime" to get you in the mood and pull for the Saints. Just this once.
Verdict: Good luck Shough. Go Saints!
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-5), Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Kansas City Chiefs (5-3) at Buffalo Bills (5-2), Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Fun fact: This is the second straight season that the always epic Chiefs-Bills game is going to be played while the Bucs are on a bye. It's the perfect opportunity to watch this always entertaining contest from beginning to end and not be distracted by Bucs postgame press conferences or highlight packages. I think we should lean slightly toward the Bills because the Bucs are headed to Buffalo in Week 11 and I don't want the Bills to start feeling like their backs are up against the wall in the NFC East race with New England. Otherwise, just enjoy the game, or click over to Jags-Raiders if that's your fancy.
Verdict: Go Bills!
Seattle Seahawks (5-2) at Washington Commanders (3-5), Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
You could go either way with this one. Maybe we want to see Washington fall farther out of the overall playoff race so that there are less competitors if the Bucs end up in a Wild Card battle. That would also improve the Bucs strength-of-schedule and strength-of-victory numbers, thanks to a Week Five win in Seattle, and make for a more appetizing tiebreaker opponent if that comes into play. However, I feel like the safer bet is just to root against as many of the seven teams in the conference with five or more wins as possible.
Verdict: Go commando…I mean Commanders! I mean, do whatever you want, but root for Washington.
Arizona Cardinals (2-5) at Dallas Cowboys (3-4-1), Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
I was raised to root against the Cowboys, so this would come naturally for me anyway, but I think we logically want Dallas to lose anyway. The Cardinals are a long shot to be in the Bucs' way of a playoff spot, and if that does come to pass it will mean the second half of the season hasn't gone very well for Tampa Bay. We're not going to entertain that thought and instead root for a team closer to the Bucs in the standings to take a hit. As a St. Louis native, I didn't appreciate them bolting for Phoenix in 1987 (my uncle still calls them the Desert Rats to this day), but there's not much emotion left their after 38 years. I can root for them this week.
Verdict: Go Desert Rats!
