New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Picks and Predictions October 13th 2024

Away from Milton, Bucs focus on Saints, rookie QB Spencer Rattler

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) head into their NFC South matchup against the New Orleans Saints (2-3) with much more than just football on their minds. The looming threat of Hurricane Milton forced the team to relocate to New Orleans earlier in the week, disrupting their usual routine. However, with the game just days away, both teams are dealing with their own challenges, including injuries and lineup changes. Here’s how the game is shaping up.

Evacuation Amid Hurricane Milton: Bucs Maintain Focus

The Buccaneers were forced to leave Tampa Bay early in the week to avoid the effects of Hurricane Milton, arriving in New Orleans on Tuesday. Head coach Todd Bowles expressed relief that the relocation went smoothly, prioritizing the safety of players, their families, and pets.

“We got the team out. We got their families out. We got their pets out. Family is the most important thing right now. You can replace material things,” Bowles said, acknowledging the challenge but reassuring that the team is ready to focus on the task at hand.

Key Analysis:

While evacuations due to natural disasters can often be disruptive, Bowles’ clear focus on the well-being of his players and their families likely helps reduce distractions. The Bucs were able to practice at Tulane University, ensuring that their preparation for the game was minimally impacted. This decision to keep families close provides emotional relief to the players, allowing them to focus on football as the game day approaches.

Tampa Bay’s Offense: Mayfield Looks to Dominate the Line of Scrimmage

Coming off a hard-fought 36-30 overtime loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Buccaneers are eager to correct mistakes and build on some strong performances. In the game against Atlanta, Tampa Bay recorded a season-high 160 rushing yards, a stat that quarterback Baker Mayfield emphasized they need to replicate against the Saints.

“We’ve got to keep that same mindset of establishing the line of scrimmage,” Mayfield said, highlighting the importance of dominating in the trenches. Despite a strong first half where the Bucs led 24-17, they were outscored 19-6 in the second half, which Mayfield attributed to missed opportunities and a lack of execution down the stretch.

Key Analysis:

Mayfield’s comments indicate that the Bucs are focused on maintaining control at the line of scrimmage, particularly with the run game. This offensive strategy will be critical against a Saints defense that has been effective against the pass but may struggle if key defensive players are sidelined due to injury. A strong run game could also open up passing opportunities, enabling Mayfield to take calculated shots downfield.

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New Orleans Saints Turn to Rookie QB Spencer Rattler

The Saints are facing their own challenges, particularly at the quarterback position. After Derek Carr suffered an oblique injury in their 26-13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Dennis Allen made the decision to start rookie Spencer Rattler, a fifth-round draft pick, for his first NFL game. Carr’s injury, along with a host of other injuries to key players, has put the Saints in a tough position.

“We talked a lot internally and decided that Spencer gives us the best opportunity to win this particular game,” Allen said. “He has a lot of athletic ability, he can throw the football, he’s accurate and he can create some plays with his feet.”

Allen acknowledged that Rattler will likely face heavy pressure from the Buccaneers’ defense, as Bowles is known for his “exotic blitzes.”

Key Analysis:

Starting a rookie quarterback in a divisional game is a high-risk, high-reward move for the Saints. While Rattler’s athleticism and mobility could help mitigate the pressure from Tampa Bay’s aggressive blitz packages, his inexperience makes him vulnerable to mistakes. The Bucs’ defense, particularly with several key players returning from injury, will look to exploit this inexperience with complex schemes designed to confuse the young quarterback. However, Rattler’s ability to extend plays with his legs could be a wildcard factor.

Saints Injury Report: Key Starters Sidelined

In addition to Carr, the Saints are dealing with a slew of injuries to key offensive players, including running back Alvin Kamara, tight end Taysom Hill, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, and several offensive linemen. The absence of these players, all of whom missed practice on Wednesday, could seriously hamper New Orleans’ ability to execute an effective game plan.

Key Analysis:

The loss of multiple offensive weapons could significantly limit the Saints’ play-calling options. Kamara and Hill are vital to the Saints’ ability to generate explosive plays, both in the running and passing game. Without them, Rattler will have fewer reliable options and may need to rely on unproven players in critical situations. The depleted offensive line may also struggle to protect Rattler against the Buccaneers’ pass rush, making it crucial for the Saints to get creative with short, quick-hitting plays.

Buccaneers Injury Report: Positive News for Tampa Bay

Unlike the Saints, the Buccaneers have received good news regarding their own injured players. Defensive lineman Calijah Kancey and offensive tackle Luke Goedeke were full participants in practice after missing multiple games. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr., a key piece of the Bucs’ secondary, was limited but is trending toward playing.

Several other starters, including running back Rachaad White and wide receiver Jalen McMillan, were limited but could suit up on Sunday. Starting center Graham Barton, however, remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Key Analysis:

Getting Kancey and Goedeke back is a huge boost for the Buccaneers. Kancey will help strengthen the defensive line, especially against a rookie quarterback who may struggle under pressure, while Goedeke’s return will bolster the offensive line, helping Tampa Bay establish the run game. If Winfield is able to play, he adds another layer of protection in the secondary, which will make life even tougher for Rattler.

Divisional Stakes: A Crucial Game in the NFC South

This matchup carries significant weight in the race for the NFC South crown. The Buccaneers are tied with the Atlanta Falcons for the division lead, while the Saints sit just one game behind. A win for the Buccaneers would give them sole possession of first place, while a Saints victory would put them right back in the hunt.

Key Analysis:

This game is crucial for both teams in a tightly contested NFC South. The Buccaneers have the chance to build a lead in the division, while the Saints, despite their injury woes, could tighten the race with an upset victory. The Bucs’ experience, returning players, and more stable quarterback situation give them a clear edge, but the Saints will look to rally behind their rookie quarterback and exploit any vulnerabilities.

Final Thoughts: Buccaneers’ Opportunity vs. Saints’ Uphill Battle

The Buccaneers enter this game as the healthier, more stable team, with a chance to solidify their hold on the NFC South. With a focus on controlling the line of scrimmage and executing better in the second half, Tampa Bay is well-positioned to take advantage of a Saints team dealing with injuries and a rookie quarterback.

For New Orleans, the game will hinge on how well Spencer Rattler handles the pressure in his NFL debut. While the Saints have a talented defense, their numerous injuries on offense will make it difficult to generate enough points to keep up with Tampa Bay’s balanced attack.

Prediction: Buccaneers 27, Saints 17