TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The New Orleans Saints snapped a five-game skid with a 24-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans quarterback Tyler Shough rushed for two touchdowns, including a 34-yard score in the third quarter, to lead the Saints. The Buccaneers, led by Baker Mayfield’s touchdown pass, closed to within four points late but could not complete the comeback. The Saints’ defense, led by Demario Davis and Kool-Aid McKinstry with seven tackles each, held firm. Tampa Bay’s defense recorded five sacks but fell short. Attendance was 63,125. New Orleans improved to 3-10, while Tampa Bay fell to 7-6.

TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — A struggling New Orleans Saints team looks to play spoiler against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad fighting for postseason positioning when the NFC South rivals meet Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers (7-5) enter the contest holding the final NFC wild-card spot and are coming off a narrow 20-17 home victory over Arizona. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, the key to Tampa Bay’s offense, is coming off an efficient performance where he passed for 194 yards and a touchdown while adding 27 yards on the ground. His mobility and decision-making will be critical against a Saints defense that has struggled for consistency. New Orleans (2-10) is mired in a difficult season but showed fight in a 21-17 loss at Miami last week. Second-year quarterback Tyler Shough has provided a spark, throwing for 239 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 18 yards in that defeat. He will need a similar dual-threat performance to challenge a Buccaneers defense that dominated the first meeting. That Week 8 matchup saw Tampa Bay cruise to a 23-3 victory in New Orleans, holding the Saints’ offense in check. The Buccaneers have won four of the last five meetings in the series. Despite the lopsided records and the previous head-to-head result, New Orleans has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of +8.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The over/under is 41.5. National Statistical’s game simulator projects a 30-23 victory for the home team. For Tampa Bay, maintaining focus against a division opponent with a poor record is paramount as they navigate a tight playoff race. For New Orleans, the final weeks are about evaluation and building momentum, starting with challenging a familiar foe on the road.