Sunday’s Saints vs. Buccaneers game will decide NFC South

The second go-around between the Saints and Buccaneers could decide the future winner of the NFC South and a top-four playoff position.

In the first game of the year, the Saints played the Buccaneers. This was the first time the Saints played together this year without the preseason. It was also the first time the reinvented Buccaneers team suited up together.

In Tom Brady‘s first game, he threw for 239 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Janoris Jenkins and Marcus Williams both caught Brady’s passes, and Jenkins even returned his interception for a touchdown.

Drew Brees threw for 160 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions. This was also the last game that Michael Thomas played in this year. Hopefully, New Orleans will have Thomas back in action against Tampa Bay.

For the Buccaneers, Chris Godwin is the only one who has made the injury report as of yet. The Buccaneers have gone on to win six games and lose one since Week 1. On the other hand, the Saints have won four and lost two (they had their bye as well).

Right now, the Buccaneers sit at the top of the NFC South with a 6-2 record. The Saints are in the No. 2 position with a 5-2 record, having already had their buy. Outside of them, the Carolina Panthers are 3-5 and in the last place, the Atlanta Falcons are 2-6.

As you can see, it is going to be a race between the Buccaneers and the Saints to win the NFC South.

The team that wins the division secures a guaranteed spot in the playoffs — something New Orleans could use. With the expanded playoffs, they’ll likely be in regardless as they have a few easy wins remaining on their schedule.

This game might just be Week 9 on their schedule, and New Orleans has a pretty tough road to end the season including the reigning Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. However, this game might just be the most important remaining on their schedule.