In a scheduling quirk, the teams play twice in three games after thirteen weeks apart. The Saints need to win both if they want a shot at the playoffs.
The Buccaneers, in their first season under head coach Dirk Koetter, have played very well of late. They’re now 7-5, and tied for first place in the NFC South. Their defense especially has turned out a very solid season. With Lovie Smith gone, the unit has abandoned the team’s historical commitment to Tampa-2 coverages. And so far the move has paid dividends. Additions at DE and CB have solidified the defense into a dangerous unit.