Saints 2023 Week 17 Preview

Jason Watson Jr • December 30, 2023

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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Football player in a green uniform wearing large purple and gold beads, holding up a hand
By Patrick Harkness July 18, 2026
TE 
Colby Simpson 
Simpson possesses prototypical size for a modern tight end, with long arms and a lean, projectable frame that college strength programs can build upon. 
At 6-5/6-6 and 225 lbs, he has the height to be a mismatch in the red zone and the wingspan to high-point balls over defenders. His athleticism is evident from his two-way play at Oaks Christian, where he contributed on defense as a sophomore (2023 season: 40 tackles, 1 sack in 12 games). He was among the “eye catchers” at the Redlands Mega Camp in summer 2023, demonstrating fluid movement and explosiveness for his size. 
Physically, Simpson moves well for a big-bodied TE, with good straight-line speed and the ability to accelerate after the catch. 
His frame suggests he could bulk up to 245-255 lbs in college, enhancing his blocking prowess while maintaining receiving upside. Camp performances indicate above-average agility and body control. 
1st Team: All Marmonte League Receiver, All County Receiver, and Oaks Christian Receiver of the year.  
Scouting Report: 
Receiving and Route Running: Simpson shows soft hands and the ability to make contested catches, using his height to box out smaller defenders. He runs crisp routes for his size, particularly on seams, posts, and curls, where he can leverage his stride length. After the catch, he has decent yards-after-contact (YAC) ability due to his size and balance, though he isn’t a burner who will outrun secondaries. 
Blocking: One of his stronger suits, given his defensive background. He engages well at the point of attack, using leverage and hand placement to sustain blocks in the run game. In pass protection, he can anchor against edge rushers but needs to add strength to handle Power 5-level defensive linemen consistently. 
Athleticism and Versatility: High-level body control and coordination, allowing him to adjust to off-target throws. His two-way experience (TE/DE) points to football IQ and toughness. He thrives in mismatch situations, splitting out wide or in the slot to exploit linebackers or safeties. Strengths 
Size and Frame: Ideal height/weight combo with room to grow; a red-zone threat who can win 50/50 balls. 
Versatility: Can line up inline, in the slot, or even detached; defensive experience adds edge and physicality. 
Hands and Ball Skills: Reliable catcher with strong concentration in traffic. 
Blocking Prowess: Willing and effective blocker who can contribute immediately in run-heavy offenses. 
Upside: Camp standout with raw tools that could flourish in a college system; nearly 20 offers from Power 4 programs (e.g., Arkansas, Baylor, Illinois, Louisville, Mississippi State, Minnesota, Purdue, Cal, Utah, Oregon State, Washington, Wake Forest) indicate high developmental potential. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
Tulane football player in green jersey number 2, standing against a plain background.
By Patrick Harkness July 18, 2026
WR 
Destyn Hill- LSU 
Hall is rebuilding the scheme around tempo, a heavy passing game (more than any previous year), pro-style elements, and big-play explosiveness. Hill specifically picked Tulane for this: “Coach Hall said he plans on throwing the ball way more this year than any other year. I like that plan and I am ready to go forward with it.” Hall has raved about his potential: “Really high. At the least, a two-story building. He is really talented and really driven.” With size, speed, polished route-running, and positional versatility, Hill is primed for a breakout as a mismatch weapon in the new system, exactly the kind of high-ceiling addition Hall targeted to elevate the aerial attack. 
Hill checks every box: explosive talent for Hall’s pass-first vision, deep local roots, P4 pedigree with untapped upside, and total commitment to the program. He’s exactly the high-ceiling, homegrown playmaker Tulane needed to inject speed and production into the 2026 offense. Spring practice has already shown the fit, he’s poised for a big year. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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