Our staff writers made their final score predictions for Week 4’s matchup between the New Orleans Saints (2-1) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1), with each team looking to get a leg up on the other in the race for the NFC South title.
What is your pick for the final tally? Neither offense has really lit the scoreboard up to start the season, but both teams boast talented defenses, so points could come at a premium. Here is our forecast:
Saints 21, Buccaneers 17
I don’t think that the offense changes much depending on who plays quarterback in this game, I think the more important part will be the offensive line protecting them and the newly improved running back room with the return of star running back Alvin Kamara. The Saints defense should be fine either way, the offense really just needs to look competent. — Dylan Sanders
Saints 23, Buccaneers 20
I am falling under the presumption that Jameis Winston will be the starter this week as the injury report was not out at the time of writing this. Regardless, I believe a motivated Alvin Kamara returning off suspension will make a huge difference in this offense if used correctly. Being able to make quick screens develop out of the backfield and use the RPO more actively will be huge even with Jameis lining up behind center. With this, I think the offense will do just enough to push past the division rival Buccaneers on the back of another quality defensive performance. — Jeremy Trottier
Saints 17, Buccaneers 13
This will be a defensive battle. After playing two struggling defenses, the Tampa Bay offense was stymied by the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3. The Saints provide another stout defense with an elite cornerback. It’s just a matter if the Saints can score a pair of touchdowns. — Darrion Gray
Saints 20, Buccaneers 17
The Saints head into this one as a slight favorite of what could be — and should be expected to be — a close matchup with the Bucs. Offensively, the Saints have had their struggles and will likely be without starting quarterback Derek Carr. While Carr hasn’t been overly impressive, Jameis Winston has only sometimes competent as a backup and how that unit overall performs here will be something to watch. But if one thing is for certain, it is that the Saints will bring the heat on defense with one of the best groups in the NFL on that side of the ball. Defensively, the Saints are only allowing 16.7 points per game, good for is sixth-best in the NFL. — Crissy Froyd
