The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 20-17, in Week 13 and will now turn their sights to a division opponent as they continue a three-game homestand. The New Orleans Saints visit Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, December 7, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
After snapping a three-game losing skid with their win over the Cardinals, the Buccaneers will now go for a second consecutive season sweep of the Saints after their 23-3 victory in New Orleans in Week Eight. The Saints have lost six of their last seven games, capped in Week 13 by a 21-17 defeat in Miami against the Dolphins. New Orleans is 1-4 in road games season but did recently defeat the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, 17-7, in Week 10.
The Buccaneers' offense showed signs of rounding back into its 2024 form in Week 13 after spending much of the season adjusting to a long list of injuries on that side of the ball. Quarterback Baker Mayfield played despite a left shoulder injury that had him limited until the Friday before the game and had an efficient outing, throwing for 194 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions and also running for 27 yards. Running back Bucky Irving returned after a seven-game absence and made an immediate difference, picking up 81 yards from scrimmage and scoring on a nifty 13-yard run in the second half. After his return in Week 12 saw him play on a "pitch count" against the Rams, wide receiver Chris Godwin once again took on a big role in the offense and caught three passes for 78 yards.
New Orleans rallied with 17 second-half points on Sunday in Miami to make it close. The Saints actually had a chance to tie the game at 19-19 with a two-point conversion after Tyler Shough's touchdown pass to Devaughn Vele, but Shough's pass on the try was intercepted and retuned to the opposite end zone for a two-point play by Miami. Shough threw for 239 yards and two touchdowns in the game and the Saints' defense sacked Tua Tagovailoa four times, twice by ageless veteran Cameron Jordan.
The Buccaneers will have an opportunity to extend their league in the NFC South to a full game over the 7-6 Panthers, who will be enjoying their bye in Week 14. They could also post back-to-back season sweeps over the Saints for the first time since the NFC South was formed in 2002.
