This is a huge game for the Bucs as they look to stay atop the NFC South. I think I'm most intrigued by the battle between the Bucs offense and Saints defense. Both sides are top 10 in the league in third down efficiency, but since Tom Brady has gotten to Tampa, the Bucs haven't shown they can consistently move the ball for long drives against the Saints. When the Bucs beat the Saints in the playoffs, a big part of that was the turnovers created by the defense, which gave the offense a short field. I don't see them getting all those benefits again, and if Mike Evans gets stopped and Chris Godwin gets double teamed, who's stepping up? It might have to be an unsung hero like Tyler Johnson or Jaelon Darden.
It's also an emotional game because former Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston gets his first start against his old team. The Saints offense has been subpar this season and Winston looks like he's still not totally comfortable there, but a big part of it is because of the wide receivers they have. New Orleans' offense runs through Alvin Kamara, so it would help so much if Lavonte David is able to play this week and shut him down.
I expect a very close game that the Bucs win to stay in first place. What do you think? Tell us your thoughts in the PR game day thread.
