On Sunday, the New Orleans Saints will be playing their final game of the regular season. With just five wins entering Week 18, a playoff trip isn’t in store for New Orleans, so the franchise will turn its attention to what’s going to be a busy offseason.
Before the Saints can officially hit that switch, they have a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While the game doesn’t have any stakes for New Orleans, the outcome will determine if the Bucs or the Atlanta Falcons will win the NFC South.
New Orleans is a prideful organization, so it’d be hoping to end the season for Tampa Bay with a win. For that to happen, the Saints will need a few big performances.
3. Spencer Rattler needs to play well for the Saints in Week 18
Spencer Rattler has had the opportunity to play in six games during his rookie season, starting five. Barring a swift recovery from Derek Carr, Rattler will likely start his sixth on Sunday. Unfortunately for the talented rookie, he hasn’t picked up a win yet, and he’s had to play with a depleted offense.
Despite that reality, Rattler needs to deliver on Sunday if the Saints are going to end the season with a win. He’s had some very elite moments in his young career, but they’ve been separated by disappointing moments. If he can be consistent with his highs on Sunday, New Orleans has a chance to win.
2. Alontae Taylor needs to thrive against the Buccaneers
Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield is having a great season throwing the ball around. Additionally, star wide receiver Mike Evans is 85 yards away from continuing his streak of 1000-yard seasons. It’s safe to assume the Bucs will feed Evans as they seek a victory and continuing the streak.
Alontae Taylor, as the veteran corner on the team, has to be prepared to matchup with Evans. Marshon Lattimore, who was Evans’ archenemy, is no longer around in New Orleans for this matchup, so Taylor has to step up to the plate.
1. Saints need Demario Davis to thrive in Week 18 vs. Bucs
When these two teams met in Week 6, the Bucs won 51-27, and Baker Mayfield threw four touchdowns. What was really embarrassing for New Orleans, though, was Tampa Bay rushing for 277 yards. It was a horrendous outing for the Saints, and arguably the worst tackling performance by a defense this season.
Demario Davis and company must make sure Sunday isn’t a sequel. The run fits need to be on point and the tackling needs to be even better. If the Saints can stop the run, they have a chance to win this game.