NFL Week 9: New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers prediction, preview, team news and more

Modified Nov 06, 2020 00:36 GMT

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints (5-2) travel to Florida on Sunday to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) in one of the season's most anticipated "Sunday Night Football" matchups.

The game is filled with intriguing subplots: A pivotal battle for the NFC South, a matchup between two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, and Tom Brady and the Buccaneers attempting to stay undefeated at home.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Head-to-Head

The Saints lead the all-time series over the Buccaneers, 36-21.

Although many of the current Buccaneers are new to the roster, the Saints have continued to dominate recent matchups, winning the last four head-to-head tilts.

The most recent matchup was a New Orleans win at home, 34-23, in Week 1 of this season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Team News

The New Orleans Saints' Week 9 injury report was filled with big names. Running back Alvin Kamara, quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Michael Thomas were all limited participants in practice.

Reports indicate Brees and Kamara will play Sunday with no restrictions — Kamara likened his foot injury to "stubbing his toe." Thomas, who has not played since Week 1, is questionable to play on Sunday, with no clear indication either way.

New Orleans acquired linebacker Kwon Alexander at the NFL trade deadline, but he will be unable to play on Sunday, as he is yet to clear the COVID-19 protocol.

The Bucs' injury report is much cleaner than the Saints heading into Sunday night, with offensive guard Ali Marpet being the only starter who did not participate in practice. One of Brady's favorite targets, receiver Scotty Miller, and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul were limited participants.

The biggest news out of Tampa Bay heading into Sunday is the signing and activation of controversial wide receiver Antonio Brown. The 32-year-old, who played just one game in 2019 (alongside Brady with the Patriots), signed with the Buccaneers last week and is expected to play on Sunday. If Brown's history of off-field (and on-field) issues does not re-emerge, he will be a dynamic addition to an offense that already features Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Rob Grownkowski and Leonard Fournette.