Buccaneers at Saints: Five game-changing players for Week 9

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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 29: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers line up in the tunnel before taking to the field to take on the Carolina Panthers an NFL football game on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

The Buccaneers (2-5) have hit a huge bump on what was supposed to be a path to the playoffs. However, there are still nine games to go. The team will be in New Orleans on Sunday for a matchup with the Saints (5-2). Which five players could decide the outcome of the game?

There was so much hype around this Buccaneers team. It’s all gone now, and it only took seven games. Of course, Tampa Bay isn’t mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, but it would need a huge run to get back into the picture. At this point, though, it looks more likely that the Bucs will pick in the top 10 when the draft rolls around in April. The last two weeks felt like must-wins, but this weekend absolutely is. A loss would be the team’s fifth straight and drop them to a dismal 2-6.

The Saints come into Sunday’s game with a half-game lead for first place in the NFC South. They have been somewhat of a surprise this season, as the defense has stepped up way more than it was expected to. It’s only somewhat of a surprise, though, because any team quarterbacked by Drew Brees is going to compete. After an 0-2 start, New Orleans has won five in a row.

Sunday’s game in the Superdome will be just the latest installment in the NFC South rivalry between the two teams. Which five players will step up and decide the outcome of Sunday’s game?

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