Dec 6, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
While the New Orleans Saints are currently sitting at 4-8 and have lost their last four, they'll have a tough matchup if they want to turn things around in Week 14. On the other side is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6), fresh off a big win over the Atlanta Falcons, which keeps them in wild-card contention.
The four-game losing streak for the Saints came right after they had won three straight before that, while the Buccaneers have currently won three of their last four games. The last time these two teams met came back in Week 2, when Jameis Winston and company shocked the Superdome, winning 26-19.
Here are three keys to the game for both the Saints and the Buccaneers.
Can you beat the Crowd's Line? Submit your final score prediction below. Good luck!
SAINTS
1. Find out early who will replace Mark Ingram
With the news that the Saints have placed Ingram on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, it means that either C.J. Spiller or Tim Hightower will be the go-to options in the run game. While it's likely that Sean Payton will look to use both, one will need to find their groove and begin to get the bulk of the work. Spiller and Hightower are two completely different running backs, with Spiller bringing speed and Hightower bringing power, so it'll be interesting to see how this plays out.
2. Hit Brandin Cooks early and often
Cooks has had at least four catches in every game this season, and has 90 targets on the year, so it's obvious that Drew Brees is looking his way often. Fortunately, he's also been able to find the end zone recently, scoring six touchdowns in his past five games. The Buccaneers have allowed 2,042 yards and 16 touchdowns to the position. This bodes well for Cooks, and he should be able to find openings in the Tampa Bay defense.
3. Lock Delvin Breaux in on Mike Evans
The Saints are struggling in a big way against opponents in the passing game, so they need to focus in on at least shutting down Mike Evans. While they shouldn't focus all their attention on him, because Vincent Jackson deserves respect, as well, if they can slow down Evans it should go a long way toward helping them pull off an upset. Breaux has emerged as a top cover cornerback and he will be the best cornerback to match up with Evans.
BUCCANEERS
1. Attack with Jameis Winston
While the Buccaneers have been strong running the ball this season, New Orleans has been roughed up often by opposing quarterbacks in 2015. To this point in the year, they've allowed 3,617 yards and 35 passing touchdowns, which is seven more than the next closest team. Winston has been playing strong football lately, so there's no reason to not let him air it out early and often in this one.
2. Utilize Doug Martin and Charles Sims in the pass game
The Saints are allowing running backs to catch plenty of passes out of the backfield, and it's really hurting them defensively. They've allowed opposing backs to catch a total of 69 balls for 687 yards and five scores this year. With Martin and Sims both more than capable of making plays in the passing game, expect them to be written into the gameplan in a big way, with Winston attempting to get them the ball.
3. Continue creating turnovers defensively
The Buccaneers have seen their defense really step up to the plate in recent weeks, and it's paying off in a big way. To this point in the season, the Buccaneers have intercepted 11 passes, caused 17 forced fumbles and recovered 10 of those fumbles. The 10 fumble recoveries rank tied for fifth-most in the NFL. This is exactly what Lovie Smith's scheme sets out to do -- with a focus on forcing turnovers. With two running backs in Spiller and Hightower likely to be carrying the load, the Buccaneers should be looking to tack on a few more forced fumbles if the opportunities are there.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.