The New Orleans Saints enter Week 8 sitting at 1-6, desperate to find any kind of rhythm as they take on a 5-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that’s been one of the NFC’s early surprises. 

Tampa Bay has looked sharp on both sides of the ball, while New Orleans has struggled to finish drives and protect the football. Still, divisional games have a way of leveling the field. If the Saints can correct their mistakes and play clean, efficient football, they have a chance to make this one interesting. But if the same issues keep showing up, the Bucs could run with it early. 

Here's how New Orleans can find a path to victory this Sunday, and here's how they could quickly fall to 1-7.

Will Win if: Successfully Control the Tempo

If the Saints have any shot at turning their season around, it starts with controlling the pace of the game.

Establishing a solid run and leaning on quick, efficient throws from Spencer Rattler can help keep Tampa Bay’s pass rush in check. When New Orleans sustains long drives and wins time of possession, their defense stays fresh and the pressure shifts to the Bucs’ offense. Playing on their own terms rather than chasing the game is the path to an upset.

LOSE: Another Offensive Breakdown

What has kept the Saints from winning this year has been their inability to finish drives.

Too often, promising possessions stall because of penalties, sacks, or turnovers. Against a disciplined Tampa Bay defense that ranks among the league’s best against the run, those mistakes will be costly. If New Orleans can’t convert third downs or protect Rattler in the pocket, they will likely fall into the same pattern that’s plagued them all season: wasted opportunities and tired defense.

Vulnerable Defense on Both Sides

Tampa Bay’s offense enters this game with one major caveat: star receiver Mike Evans is out for most of the rest of the season after suffering a broken collarbone in their recent loss, per ESPN.

But even so, the Buccaneers still hold several advantages, and while the Saints' defense has been their strength, it's facing a difficult test. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has multiple reliable targets remaining and a quick-release style that often beats rushes. Their offensive line has held up well enough to allow timely throws, and their defense is good at shutting down runs and forcing opponents into predictable passing situations.

If New Orleans can’t generate consistent pressure or prevent rhythm drives, the Bucs can exploit those strengths, dictate tempo, and control the game early.

WIN: Capitalize on Mistakes

For all of Tampa Bay’s success, they still make errors when pressured.

The Saints can flip the script if they take advantage of those pressure moments by jumping on tipped passes, forcing fumbles, or turning field-position battles into points. Creating turnovers and finishing in the red zone are the biggest equalizers, and if New Orleans can cash in on Tampa’s mistakes instead of making their own, they’ll finally have the type of complete performance that’s been missing all season.

The Saints know this team, and they’ve beaten Tampa Bay before by sticking to smart, physical football. It will take clean execution, discipline, and energy-- all things New Orleans has been missing, but if they finally show up for four full quarters, they can make this matchup competitive again.