NFL Divisional Round: New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Prediction and Analysis

The New Orleans Saints displayed their dominance at the start of the NFL Playoffs with a commanding 21-9 win over NFC North counterparts, Chicago Bears. But they will be up against one of the best offensive teams in the league, led by ‘winningest’ quarterback, Tom Brady.

It must be noted, the Saints have already upstaged the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on 2 occasions this season. So is it going to be third-time lucky for the visiting team?

Here’s a detailed look at both teams, along with injury updates and NFL Divisional Round predictions.

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NFL Divisional Round Preview

New Orleans Saints gear up for tough NFL Playoff clash

Sean Payton’s New Orleans Saints will start as narrow favorites on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. They stamped their authority against the Bears last weekend. But tomorrow is a whole different ball game.

Drew Brees is expected to start ahead of Taysom Hill who was listed as ‘questionable’. But with WR Michael Thomas back in the offense and RB Alvin Kamara dangerous as ever, the Saints have enough firepower to cause the Buccaneers all sorts of trouble in the Divisional Round.

It will be the Saints’ defense who will prove to be the difference against a free-flowing Tampa offense. The last time these two teams met in Florida, the Buccs could only put up 3 points on the board.

We assure you, Tom Brady hasn’t forgotten that. Let’s hope the home team comes prepared for one hell of a ball game.

The Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers fighting for NFC South bragging rights

Head Coach Bruce Arians has already warned his defense after last week’s showing against Washington Football Team, they need to do better.

The Buccaneers narrowly made it to the Divisional Round, but it was their offense who got them there. The likes of Antonio Brown, Mike Evans, Rob Gronkowski, and Leonard Fournette will be key for the visitors.

They need to provide Brady with multiple options in the middle in order to pierce through a solid Saints’ defense. This is not going to be an easy game to win, especially in New Orleans.

The likes of Shaquil Barrett and Ndamukong Suh need to bring their A-Game on Sunday, or else the Buccs can kiss their Super Bowl dreams goodbye.

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NFL Preview: New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Update

New Orleans – Out

CB Patrick Robinson – Hamstring

Questionable

QB Taysom Hill – Knee

RB Latavius Murray – Quadricep

Tampa Bay – Out

G Alex Cappa – Ankle

DL Jeremiah Ledbetter – Calf

Questionable

S Andrew Adams – Not injury related

RB Ronald Jones – Finger/Calf

S Jordan Whitehead – Knee

Saints vs Buccaneers Prediction

New Orleans Saints 35 – 34 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Astonishingly, this will be the first time that veteran quarterbacks, Drew Brees and Tom Brady, meet in the post-season. Both these players are arguably in the twilight of their respective careers, but remain hungry for another Super Bowl ring.

All the stats and figures indicate that it will be reigning NFC South champions, New Orleans Saints, who will win this clash on home turf.

But there’s a reason they call Tom Brady the ‘Comeback Kid’. You definitely cannot afford to miss this one, so make sure to tune in.

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