With a one-point loss to the Packers last week, this Saints defense is coming off the loss with full aggression. I hyped them up last week due to their on-the-road statistics, but the second half of that game did not reflect those stats. New Orleans has lost their starting quarterback, Derek Carr, due to a shoulder injury, forcing them to ride or die with backup Jameis Winston. Considering that both teams are 2-1, can the former Heisman-winning quarterback bring the Saints to a victory this week, or will he revert to his 30-for-30 ways back from the 2019 season?
Game Info
When: Sunday, October 1, 2023 at noon CST
Where: Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
TV Info: FOX
Injury Report
New Orleans Saints
Player: | Position: | Injury: | Status: |
Jordan Howden | S | Finger | Out |
Derek Carr | Shoulder | Questionable | |
Cesar Ruiz | OG | Concussion | Out |
Paulson Adebo | CB | Hamstring | Out |
Foster Moreau | TE | Ankle | Questionable |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Player: | Position: | Injury: | Status: |
Carlton Davis | CB | Toe | Questionable |
Jamel Dean | CB | Neck/Shoulder | Out |
SirVocea Dennis | LB | Hamstring | Out |
Calijah Kancey | DL | Calf | Out |
Derrick Pitts | CB | Hamstring | Out |
Vita Vea | NT | Pectoral | Questionable |
Devin White | LB | Foot | Questionable |
Betting Info:
Spread Favorite: Saints (-3)
Moneyline: Saints (-190), Buccaneers (+160)
Total: 39.5 points
Prediction
With both teams ranking in the top five in interceptions this season, I believe this will be a battle of the defenses. If New Orleans can somehow hold Tampa Bay under 20 points, they will be the first team since the 1994 Cleveland Browns to hold their opponents to 20 points or less in 12 straight games. I know my Saints are the favorite to win this Week 4 matchup, but I don't feel that way. In last week's game, Jameis Winston could not find the end zone a single time in the entirety of the second half. As Saints fans like to call him, Jaboo could not finish the eating of the W. Comparable to Jaboo, the Saint's defense allowed the Packers to score 18 unanswered points. I do not think Jaboo will throw an interception this game due to the Buccaneers' lack of cornerback depth. However, the rest of the defense will fair well and hold the Saints offense to low points. After Jameis' ACL tear in 2021, he hasn't been the same. I don't know if he can lead this developing Saints team to a Week 4 victory. Because of this, I have to go with the Buccaneers on this one. Sorry, fellow Saints fans.
Score
Buccaneers 21 - Saints 13
(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)