Buccaneers vs. Saints bold predictions for 2025 Week 8 clash

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers they’ve been one of the NFC’s most consistent teams this season, that is, until last Monday night. Losing the road 24-9 Detroit Lions served as a wake-up call Baker Mayfield‘s group. He found cracks in the pass protection and tested their depth at receiver after Mike Evans went down with a broken collarbone. However, if there’s one team that could help Tampa rediscover its rhythm, it’s this one New Orleans Saints.

The Buccaneers are looking to regroup

The Buccaneers (5-2) travel to the Caesars Superdome on Sunday for a divisional matchup with the Saints (1-6). Tampa Bay remains atop the NFC South. Meanwhile, New Orleans continues to grow. They struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball. The Saints’ last loss, loss 26-14 To the Chicago Bears, they highlighted their turnover issues and inability to finish drives. Now the Saints face an uphill battle against one of the most complete rosters in the conference.

Bucs offensive game plan it will look different without Evans. However, it could be just what the team needs. They need a chance to diversify their attack. Expect Cade Otton to see more targets. Meanwhile, Rachaad White could carry more of the load against the Saints’ defense, allowing over 126 yards per game. For New Orleans, this game is less about playoff hopes and more about pride. They will try to avoid falling to 1-7 in front of their home crowd.

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Here we take a look and discuss some bold predictions for the game between the Buccaneers and the Saints in Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season.

Spencer Rattler starts but continues to struggle

Spencer Rattler pointed flashes of balance this season. However, Week 7 was a big step back. Against Chicago, he completed 20 of 32 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns. However, he also threw three interceptions and lost a fumble. Four turnovers are a killer for any offense, especially one that is already struggling to sustain drives.

The Saints coaching staff reiterated their support for Rattler. Patience is wearing thin, though. Facing a Tampa Bay defense known for its sneak pressures and opportunistic secondary will be another brutal test. The Buccaneers rank among the top 10 in the league in takeaway picks. Todd Bowles’ defense thrives on forcing mistakes from young running backs. The Rattlers will commit at least two turnovers here, either through interceptions or sacks. Tampa Bay’s defensive front will overwhelm New Orleans’ shaky offensive line.

Juwan Johnson remains productive as the Saints’ top target

Of course, New Orleans’ offense was erratic. However, Juwan Johnson was one of the few bright spots. Had five catches for 79 yards last week against Chicago. It was his best outing of the season. Johnson’s ability to find soft spots in coverage made him a reliable safety valve for the Rattlers.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers struggled at times to defend athletic tight ends. Note that they allowed an average of 67 yards per game to the position. With Chris Olave providing additional perimeter coverage, Johnson should once again be the focal point of the passing game. We see Johnson surpass 80 receiving yards for the second week in a row. That should keep the Saints competitive early before the offense goes down the stretch.

Cade Otton leads the Bucs in receiving yards

Tampa Bay’s offense revolves around accuracy. Cade Otton has quietly become one of Baker Mayfield’s most reliable targets. In the loss to Detroit, Otto had seven catches for 65 yards. He also led the team in the receiving and receiving yards. With Evans sidelined and Chris Godwin still nursing a fibula injury, Otto’s role will expand even more in Week 8.

The Saints’ defensive scheme focuses heavily on outside coverage. This often leaves room for the tight ends to work underneath. Expect Mayfield to attack the middle of the field with quick strikes to Otto. It has proven reliable in high-traffic situations. Otton should finish as Tampa Bay’s leading receiver with more than 70 yards and a touchdown. That will cement his place as a key part of this offense moving forward.

Baker Mayfield is back in style

Even in defeat, Mayfield continues to play with the poise of a veteran who found his groove in Tampa Bay. Against Detroit, he completed 28 of 50 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown. On the flip side, the Bucs have struggled to convert opportunities in the red zone. That won’t happen again in Week 8.

Mayfield thrives on adversity. A chance to respond after a disappointing loss in prime time is exactly the kind of scenario in which he shines. Expect him to distribute the ball effectively and make the necessary adjustments to take advantage of New Orleans’ struggling defense. The Saints are near the bottom of the league in third down defense. They allow conversions on almost 46 percent of their attempts. This would allow Tampa to control the tempo throughout the game.

Mayfield would throw for over 275 yards and two touchdowns. He will mastermind the offense as Tampa Bay regains its dominance in the NFC South.

Buccaneers outlast Saints in division win

The Saints have competed hard most weeks, but this matchup feels like a mismatch in every meaningful sense. Tampa Bay has a better quarterback, defense and coach. The defensive identity of the Saints has eroded. Their offense continues to self-destruct with turnovers and inconsistency.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have proven they can win even when they’re down. Expect White to control the ground game, Othon to shine in Evans’ absence, and Mayfield to reestablish his MVP-caliber rhythm. The Bucs defense will frustrate the Rattlers into mistakes and Tampa will cruise to their sixth win of the season, 27-13.

Final thoughts

This game is about regaining energy and calmness. Those are two things Tampa Bay has in spades. The Buccaneers have all the tools to right the ship and remind the league that they are serious contenders. For New Orleans, it’s another painful reminder that rebuilding takes time.