The 5-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers return to division play in Week Eight as they head to New Orleans for another chapter in what has become a reliably heated rivalry within the NFC South. The Saints, who currently are 1-6, won the division for four straight years from 2017-20, and the Buccaneers are trying to top that feat with their fifth straight South crown this year. To find out how to watch, listen and livestream the game, click here.
The Buccaneers' lengthy injury report has certainly caught the eyes of many experts, particularly the new long-term injury to Evans. However, others think the team is primed for a "bounce-back" game after a tough outing in Detroit on Monday night. After the Bucs' passing attack was a bit out of rhythm against the Lions, one expert wondered if the weekly "superhero act" was taking its toll on Baker Mayfield. Another noted that Tampa Bay is playing consecutive road games, the second one on a short week. Several noted the emotional nature of the series, describing it as "spicy" and "feisty."
Here's how Brent Sobleski of the Bleacher Report sees it going down:
"The Buccaneers should have burned the tape after Monday's performance. It was that bad. At the same time, expect a bounce back after Tampa's disappointing loss to the Detroit Lions. Prior to that contest, Mayfield had been playing at an MVP level. Full-on regression isn't expected, not when he has time to prepare and get back on track, knowing how his wide receiver options will look. With Mike Evans now officially out and Chris Godwin still nursing an injury, the rookie duo of Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson should be comfortable serving as the team's top two targets. Mayfield's rapport with both has grown every week."
The Buccaneers are 4.5-point favorites on the road and apparently have the trust of a lot of NFL experts in Week Eight. Here's what some of them are predicting will occur on Sunday afternoon in the Caesars Superdome:
NFL.com – Five out of five analysts think the Bucs leave the bayou with a victory
ESPN.com – It's an 11-0 sweep for the visiting team among ESPN NFL-knowers
CBSSports.com – Pete Prisco sides with the Bucs but barely, expecting a closer game than most
USA Today – Six experts assemble and all agree, taking the Bucs against the spread
Bleacher Report – Also picking against the spread, seven analysts split 5-2 in Tampa Bay's favor
Pro Football Talk – Mike Florio and Chris Simms agree, both picking Simms' former team
Sports Illustrated – The Bucs get the nod from all seven SI contributors
Sporting News – Tampa Bay is the pick both straight up and against the spread
