Saints vs. Bucs Pregame Report - Week 17

It's pretty simple for the Saints on Sunday. Win or go home. The question is what team will show up in Week 17?

Author:
John Hendrix
Updated:
Dec 31, 2023 8:32 AM EST
Original:
Dec 31, 2023

In this story:

There's just two games left in the regular season for the Saints (7-8), and Sunday's game will either keep them on life support or effectively end a year of underachievement. In their way today are the Bucs (8-7), who can win the NFC South for a third straight year with a victory over New Orleans in Week 17. Here's what you need to know about this matchup with our Pregame Report.

Week 17 Saints Pregame Report

All-Time Series: The Saints lead the all-time regular season series 39-24, while the Bucs have won three straight. Tampa also has one postseason win over New Orleans.

Where to Watch: FOX (12:00 p.m. CT), Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi (field reporters)

Where to Stream: FuboTV (Start Your Free Trial Here), Saints App, NFL+

Where to Listen: WWL Radio locally (105.3FM) with Mike Hoss, Deuce McAllister, and Jeff Nowak (sideline reporter); SIRIUSXM: 98/388 (NO), 113/232 (TB)

Referee: Land Clark

Current Lines: Buccaneers -2.5 (O/U at 42.5)

Jersey Combo: White jerseys, black pants

Last 5 Matchups

10/1/23 - Bucs 26, Saints 9
12/5/22 - Bucs 17, Saints 16
9/18/22 - Bucs 20, Saints 10
12/19/21 - Saints 9, Bucs 0
10/31/21 - Saints 36, Bucs 27

Broadcast Map (via 506sports): The orange area is projected to carry the game today, with CBS having the doubleheader for Week 17. Naturally, check your local listings to see if you'll catch the game or not.

Saints-Bucs game is projected in Orange
506sports.com

Saints Notes and Storylines for Week 17

WIN OR GO HOME

The Saints are playing for their season, although a win could just delay the inevitable. If New Orleans loses, then their year is over as they'd be knocked out of the playoff race. Tampa would win the NFC South again. If the Saints win, then it comes down to putting their hopes and dreams in the Panthers or seeing if a Wild Card scenario could break for them. Either way, this is the boat the Saints have put themselves in after everything that has happened.

DENNIS ALLEN'S DEFENSE IN FOCUS

New Orleans had a really bad showing against the Rams, and that's probably putting it lightly. Matthew Stafford and company did whatever they wanted to do with the Saints defense in the spotlight. Baker Mayfield looked stellar against this defense in Week 4 when they convincingly beat the Saints on the road 26-9. Chris Godwin was the one to find a ton of success on the day in that game, but it might be a different story on Sunday with Mike Evans. Mayfield only took one sack in that earlier contest.

It's the same story for the Saints. Can they generate a pass rush that can get home and can they play in harmony as a team?

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts after being sacked and fumbling the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

ALVIN KAMARA TO PLAY, CAN THEY GET HIM GOING?

He's been dealing with an undisclosed illness this week, but all signs have pointed to him playing. While having in the lineup sounds good, fine and dandy, the reality is that he really hasn't been a big factor against the Bucs for quite some time. Todd Bowles has done a terrific job with his game plan against Kamara for several consecutive games. It was something that he had 13 catches in the last meeting, but only for a whopping 33 yards.

New Orleans has been frustrating to watch on both sides of the ball this year, and maybe one day they'll figure out how to use one of their best players. Today would be good, but it also is really too little, too late.