Down the stretch of the 2017 season, the New Orleans Saints played four of their final five contests against NFC South foes. That included the season finale, Week 17 agqainst basement dwellers Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers jumped up and upset the Saints, potentially ruining what had been a wonderful season. It announced that even though they were in last place, led by QB Jameis Winston the Bucs were a team capable of hanging with the best in the division.
The two teams ended last regular season and are set to open up the 2018 season. Only this time it appears Winston will not be available to lead a fourth-quarter comeback.