The Tampa Bay Buccaneers return from their bye week to face an AFC team for the third team after wins over Houston and the New York Jets in the season's first month. The New England Patriots are up next as they bring a six-game winning streak to Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, November 9, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
The Buccaneers sailed into their bye with a breezy 23-3 win at New Orleans that ran their record to 6-2, which is tied with the Eagles, Seahawks and Rams for the top mark in the NFC. The Buccaneers' offense had slowed down in the two weeks before the bye amid a mounting run of injuries but that unit is hoping for some reinforcements soon (more on that below) and has faith that Baker Mayfield, a noted MVP candidate over the first month-and-a-half of the season, will regain his prolific form while continuing to limit turnovers (two interceptions in 269 attempts). Tampa Bay's a bit healthier, although its still not certain when edge rusher Haason Reddick will return to the lineup, and the secondary in particular has started to jell into a cohesive unit that regularly gets big plays from the likes on Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith and Jacob Parrish. The Bucs also rang up 15 sacks in their three games before the bye.
The Patriots are one of the hottest teams in the NFL, riding a six-game win streak that matches the Denver Broncos for the longest active one in the league. And while five of those six victories came against teams that currently have losing records (as did a Week Two victory in Miami), there is a road win at Buffalo in that mix as well. New England is led by rising star second-year quarterback Drake Maye, one of the six quarterbacks taken among the first 12 picks of the 2024 draft. The third-overall selection, Maye has emerged as the most successful of those half-dozen passers in 2025, with a 17-4 TD-INT ratio, a league-leading 116.9 passer rating, a 74.1% completion rate and 270 rushing yards to boot. The Patriots spent big on their defense in the offense, landing the likes of defensive tackle Milton Williams, edge rusher Harold Landry, linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerback Carlton Davis, and the overall results have been good. Landry leads the team with 5.5 sacks, Williams has added 3.5 sacks and has anchored the NFL's top run defense and Spillane is tied for the team lead with two interceptions.
Here are four major storylines and four head-to-head player battles to keep an eye on in Week 10as the Bucs face the Patriots in a battle of first-place teams.
TOP STORYLINES
Rested and Recuperated? – The Buccaneers had been eyeing the bye on their schedule longingly for quite some time before it arrived in Week Nine. Getting to that week off with a 6-2 record was a boon, with the hopes that the return of some injured players – and the recuperation of some others who have been playing through ailments – would set the Bucs up for a strong second-half run. Who and when will be arriving as reinforcements will be a major storyline every week for Tampa Bay for the foreseeable future, but it is magnified before this game by that now-completed bye week. Among those players the Bucs have been doing without for various lengths of time who could make a big difference in the second half are running back Bucky Irving, wide receivers Chris Godwin and (at a potentially much later date) Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, right tackle Luke Goedeke, right guard Luke Haggard and outside linebacker Haason Reddick. Goedeke is the only one of that group who has made a quantifiable step forward, as he has returned to the practice field this week after missing the last six games on injured reserve. He can be activated at any time in the next three weeks, which means he's theoretically in play on Sunday against the Patriots. As for the rest, they may still need a bit more time before returning, but we will be watching all of them very closely for signs of progress in the weeks ahead.
Secondary Matters – Tampa Bay's defensive backfield had a field day in its most recent outing, with corners and safeties combining for an interception, five passes defensed, a sack a forced fumble and a fumble recovery against the Saints. As noted above, Winfield, Smith and Parrish are all starting to turn in big plays on a nearly weekly basis. It's fair to note, of course, that the Saints' offense was led first by second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler, who was benched in the third quarter, and then by rookie Tyler Shough, seeing his first meaningful NFL action. Neither of those passers is having the type of season that the Patriots' Maye has been constructing in his second year on the job. Maye has thrown for 2,285 yards along with the aforementioned 17 touchdowns and has proved formidable on the run. Parrish suffered an oblique injury late in the game at New Orleans so it's possible his availability will be in question on Sunday, but the Bucs have good secondary depth with the likes of Benjamin Morrison and Christian Izien. The group as a whole will face one of its biggest challenges of the season when Maye and company come to town.
Will Either Run Defense Yield? – New England's run defense ranks first in the NFL, surrendering just 75.4 yards per game, while the Bucs are seventh on that list with 92.6 yards per game allowed. The Patriots are third with an average of 3.59 yards allowed per carry while the Bucs are sixth at 3.88. Tampa Bay's rushing attack has lost a little steam in the absence of Bucky Irving but the coaching staff still wants to keep the offense balanced; after bemoaning a Week Eight game in Detroit in which Mayfield threw 50 passes, the Buccaneers clearly insisted on running the ball more in New Orleans, even when it wasn't super-productive. The Bucs gained 88 yards on 29 carries, averaging 3.0 yards per tote. Meanwhile, New England's rushing attack has been middle of the pack in terms of production, ranking 17th in yards per game (112.3) and 25th in yards per carry (3.86). Both defenses have the same goal in mind: Stop the run first to make their opponent one-dimensional and then pin their ears back and come howling at the quarterback. In the case of the Bucs' defense, that will be particularly important. The only real flaw in the Patriots' passing attack this season has been a high pressure rate, as Maye has been sacked 34 times and the offense ranks next-to-last in sacks-allowed-per-pass-play, at 16.3%.
Special Considerations – The Buccaneers' special teams have had an up-and-down season so far but proved to be part of a winning formula in New Orleans, with Chase McLaughlin nailing three field goals of 50-plus yards and Riley Dixon averaging more than 50 yards per punt. It will be a challenge to get the upper hand in the special teams arena again this Sunday, as the Patriots have had very good results in that department. Notably, Marcus Jones has scored on a punt return and is averaging 19.3 yards per runback and Antonio Gibson has also scored on a kickoff return. The Buccaneers' punt coverage unit is currently ranked 29th in the NFL with an average return allowed of 14.7 yards. As dependable as McLaughlin has been, rookie kicker Andy Borregales is also off to a fine NFL start for the Patriots, as he has made 24 of his 26 field goal tries so far.Tampa Bay is 4-0 so far this season in games decided by three or fewer points, and while the main story within that figure is Mayfield's late-game heroics, it also underscores how slim the margins have been in getting to a 6-2 record. If this Sunday's game is another one that comes down to the wire, every little advantage or disadvantage could loom large, and the Bucs don't want to cede the upper hand on special teams.
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
KEY MATCHUPS
1. Patriots T Will Campbell vs. Buccaneers OLB Anthony Nelson
Anthony Nelson got his first start of 2025 in Week Nine in the absence of Reddick, who is likely to be out again this Sunday, and Nelson did what he has generally done in such situations: He produced. Perhaps he had never had a performance quite like that one before – a pick-six, two sacks, a forced fumble and some DPOTW hardware for his mantle – but he has a history of coming up with big plays in key moments. Nelson's long wingspan helped him tip the ball to himself on his interception and it also helps him put blockers on their heels when he converts speed to power on his pass rushes. After the Patriots made him the fourth-overall pick in the 2025 draft, Campbell stepped right into the starting lineup at left tackle and has played 98% of the snaps for an offense that ranks seventh in the NFL with 26.3 points per game. Campbell has had some of the growing pains one would expect from a rookie in a high-leverage assignment – through the first seven weeks of the season he had allowed a team-high 27 pressures – but the talent is evident. The 6-6, 319-pound Campbell has excellent balance and body control plus the power to drive block and to anchor against bull rushes. Nelson and fellow edge rusher Yaya Diaby are likely to switch sides frequently, which means Nelson will definitely get some one-on-one matchups with the rookie, and perhaps his seven years of NFL experience will give him an edge from time to time.
2. Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka vs. Patriots CB Carlton Davis
Egbuka is the Buccaneers' clear number-one target in the passing attack with both Evans and Godwin on the shelf, and that has brought with it some extra attention from opposing secondaries. It should definitely draw the attention of Davis, the former Buccaneer, who mostly plays outside on the left for the Patriots' defense but has been used to shadow specific receivers at times during his career. Egbuka would like to see some more man-to-man coverage, but in this case, that has been Davis's specialty. The Patriots signed him to a big deal in free agency in the offseason after a season in Detroit in which he forced the fourth-lowest completion rate (45.2%) among all NFL cornerbacks when in man coverage. Davis's length, instincts and nose for the football have allowed him to rack up 87 passes defensed in his career, including three this season. Egbuka has played the last two games through a hamstring strain while getting that frequent double-coverage, and he had just seven combined catches in those two contests. However, he still leads the Buccaneers and all NFL rookies with 34 receptions for 562 yards and five touchdowns and has shown the ability to get open at all levels of the defense while averaging 16.5 yards per grab.
3. Patriots QB Drake Maye vs. Buccaneers S Antoine Winfield Jr.
It is obviously the job of the Bucs' defense as a whole to slow down Maye, and no single defender is going to be his main opponent on every play. That said, given how much of a threat Maye is on the run and how regularly Winfield makes plays at, around and behind the line of scrimmage, it seems likely that the sixth-year safety will be one of the most important figures in combating the second-year passer. For one thing, Winfield is an adept blitzer, with 18.0 career sacks, so Maye is going to have to keep track of him when he comes close to the line. Winfield also closes quickly on scrambling quarterbacks and is a sure and willing tackler. Maye has been a revelation in his sophomore season, and in addition to the big counting numbers noted above, he is averaging a whopping 9.0 yards per pass attempt, which ranks second in the NFL. Maye's completion percentage is a league-best 74.1%, and that's not because Josh McDaniels' offense has him throwing primarily short passes and checkdowns. In fact, Maye's average length of completion is the third highest in the league. The Buccaneers like to play with a single-high safety to get either Winfield or Tykee Smith involved closer to the line of scrimmage, and when Winfield is playing centerfield he'll be the last line of defense when Maye decides to take a deep shot.
4. Buccaneers G Ben Bredeson vs. Patriots DT Milton Williams
The Patriots gave former Eagle Milton Williams the largest contract of any free agent this offseason, winning a bidding war with the Patriots, and he has been worth the investment so far. In addition to his 3.5 sacks, Williams has 30 total quarterback pressures and a 14.0% pressure rate that is extremely high for an interior lineman. He is achieved this, and anchored the league's top run defense, despite getting double-teamed on 44.2% of his snaps. In run defense, Williams has racked up 18 stops, which are tackles made after no gain or a loss. Williams is powerful but has quick feet as well, and he will be a handful for the Bucs' strong and reliable left guard, Bredeson. Bredeson played center for the first three games of the season during a lineup shuffle while Tristan Wirfs was out, but he has settled back in at left guard, where he was a big free agency find for the Buccaneers in 2024. Bredeson can handle powerful rushers at the point of attack and can move defenders out of the way in the run game. He is part of a Bucs' offense that ranks 12th in sacks allowed per pass play and has helped give Mayfield time to make big plays downfield while avoiding turnovers.
