The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to continue their perfect NFC South record in Week 14, and grow their division lead in the process. This Sunday's matchup against the Saints is important for many reasons, the Bucs must come ready to dominate. Statistically speaking, this game is a mismatch, and Week 8 proved that.
The Bucs won by 20, held the Saints to three points and dominated the turnover battle (4-1). Entering Week 14, both teams will see different faces, with Bucky Irving finally back on the field, and Tyler Shough now the Saints starting quarterback. Let's make some bold predictions.
Bold predictions for the Buccaneers in Week 14 vs the Saints
Saints will be held to less than 75 rushing yards
The Saints have struggled to run the ball all season, and Week 8 was no different. So far, the Saints average just 90 rushing yards per game, 29th in the league. Last week, their lead back and future Hall-of-Fame Alvin Kamara did not play, and failed to practice on Wednesday.
With Kamara's availability in question, the Saints lack of depth and production from the position, this is an easy one to pick. The key will be stopping Shough from running, who has proved to be a dual-threat recently.
Over the last three weeks, Shough has thirteen rushes for 40 yards. The yardage won't jump out, but he has proven an ability to run the ball, something to watch out for. H
Bucs will rush for two touchdowns
Second-year back Bucky Irving was limited in practice on Wednesday, which proves he's not 100% entering this game. His nagging injuries are frustrating, but it's good to have him back on the field, although the Saints likely don't feel that way.
They allow an average of 126 rush yards per game, a department the Buccaneers have been up and down in all season. Last week, the Saints allowed 164 to the Dolphins, the third highest all season.
For the Bucs to dominate this matchup, they must dominate the run game, and I expect it to happen. With Rachaad White, Sean Tucker, and Irving likely to mix in, this could be a heavy run attack from Tampa Bay.
Baker Mayfield will throw for less than 200 yards, but the Bucs will still win
A few weeks ago, I made this prediction against the Bills, and I nailed it. I am resorting back because Mayfield has struggled, especially since his injury, and the Saints have a good secondary.
New Orleans has allowed the 7th least passing yards per game this season, and have really thrived the last three games. While Bucs' fans certainly don't hope this happens, history is on my side, and I think it's pretty certain.