Saints 2023 Week 17 Preview
Saints Fight for Playoff Life in Road Contest with Buccaneers
As we wind down to the end of the 2023 NFL regular season, the number of games remaining is dwindling just as quickly as the Saints’ playoff hopes. New Orleans is still in contention for a playoff spot and a chance to host a game, but they will need help if they want any chance to find themselves in the postseason. The Saints are coming off a disheartening 30-22 loss to the Rams. Our upcoming divisional opponent, the Buccaneers, dominated the Jaguars 30-12 last week.
The Matchup:
Tampa Bay currently leads the NFC South by a full game over Atlanta and New Orleans. With a victory against New Orleans, the Bucs would clinch the division and earn the fourth seed in the NFC. If the Saints can beat Tampa Bay and Atlanta in their final two games of the season, New Orleans would still require Carolina to defeat Tampa in a week 18 matchup to steal a playoff spot. The top three NFC South teams are all still in contention for a wildcard slot, but other divisions are making it a slightly more difficult task. A New Year’s Eve contest will see Tampa Bay host New Orleans at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at noon CST on FOX.
Series History:
Tampa Bay won in the first clash with New Orleans in week 4 with a convincing 26-9 victory. That game marked the third straight loss for the Saints when playing the Buccaneers. It won’t get any easier for Dennis Allen’s team as the Bucs will not be any pushover divisional opponent. If New Orleans can win, it will be their 40th all-time against Tampa Bay.
Team Rankings Comparison:
| Rank (Week 16) | Saints | Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 7-8 (3rd NFC South) | 8-7 (1st NFC South) |
| Scoring Avg. | 22.1 (13) | 21.7 (17) |
| Opp. Scoring Avg. | 19.8 (9) | 20.1 (11) |
| Total Off. | 334.8 (14) | 316.3 (23) |
| Rushing Off. | 98.7 (21) | 89.3 (30) |
| Passing Off. | 236.1 (12) | 227.0 (17) |
| Total Def. | 321.6 (14) | 356.2 (24) |
| Rushing Def. | 126.9 (25) | 92.1 (7) |
| Passing Def. | 194.7 (7) | 264.1 (32) |
| Turnover Margin | +4 (10) | +10 (2) |
| Penalties | 88 (17) | 92 (13) |
| Penalty Yards | 800 (13) | 698 (20) |
Current Injury Report:
Saints-
Jordan Howden, S, Questionable, Illness
Lonnie Johnson, CB, Questionable, Knee
Ryan Ramczyk, T, Questionable, Knee
Isaiah Foskey, DE, Questionable, Quadricep
Erik McCoy, C, Questionable, Foot
Kendre Miller, RB, Questionable, Ankle
Chris Olave, WR, Questionable, Ankle
Cameron Jordan, DE, Questionable, Ankle
Buccaneers-
Shaquil Barrett, LB, Questionable, Groin
Carlton Davis III, CB, Questionable, Concussion
Chris Godwin, WR, Questionable, Knee/Rest
Final Thoughts/Prediction:
New Orleans has to do one thing to be successful on Sunday. The Saints must replicate their second-half success and get the ball rolling early versus the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has been humming lately, and I would not be surprised to see them stop now after the Saints’ defense gave up 30 to the Rams. It should be a good game; it always seems to be that way between divisional opponents. However, I think Tampa Bay will come out on top in a shootout. The Saints are desperate, and we’ve seen in previous weeks that they aren’t going to lie down and accept defeat, but the Buccaneers are playing for a division title in front of their home crowd. I like Tampa in this contest, 34-28.
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