This Sunday, the New Orleans Saints host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Caesars Superdome, and for a Saints team sitting at 1–6, the game feels heavy.

The Bucs arrive with only one loss this season, riding both momentum and confidence. For New Orleans, a win could spark hope, and a loss might deepen the sense that this season is slipping away for good.

Fork in Road Against Buccaneers

The Saints have talent, but they haven’t been able to put it together for four quarters. To compete with Tampa Bay, they’ll need to start fast, take care of the football, and stay out of their own way. Home games are supposed to bring energy, and this team has to feed off that. A balanced attack between Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave could help open things up for Spencer Rattler, who’s shown flashes of rhythm when given time to throw.

Now, how much time he'll have to throw against the Buccaneers is of question with a new starting center, and New Orleans will hope to find balance with a rush game that no longer includes Kendre Miller.

Avoiding early penalties and keeping drives alive will be key. When the Saints sustain drives, the defense gets rest and the team looks completely different.

Tampa Bay's Edge

Tampa Bay comes in confident and well-rounded. A stable contender in the NFC, their offense has been efficient all season, averaging over seven yards per play in back-to-back games.

Their defense continues to cause problems for opponents, forcing turnovers and creating short fields.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield has settled in nicely behind strong protection, and the Bucs’ receiving duo has been tough to contain. This is a team that capitalizes on mistakes, something New Orleans can’t afford.

Narrative to Watch

The question is simple: can the Saints keep pace?

The Bucs are physical on both sides of the ball and rarely beat themselves.

If New Orleans can protect Rattler, limit turnovers, and get production from Kamara early, they’ll have a shot to make it interesting. But if Tampa Bay jumps out to a quick lead, the Saints haven’t shown they can consistently fight back.

Sunday’s game might not define New Orleans’ season, but it could reveal how much fight this group still has left. Playing at home gives them a chance to reset and respond.

The Bucs are clearly the better team right now, but the NFL has a way of surprising you when desperation meets opportunity, and particularly against divisional foes.