The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are primed for an NFC South clash against the rival New Orleans Saints in Week 8.
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield hasn’t been shy about his hatred of the rival NFL franchise. And during a press conference on Wednesday, he doubled down with a scathing message for Tampa Bay’s upcoming opponent.
“It hasn’t exactly been clean play from their part when we play them,” Mayfield said. “It’s a physical game. It is what it is. You expected it — division rival. Not much else to say besides the fact I don’t like them.”
Mayfield and the 5-2 Buccaneers hold a one-game lead over the Carolina Panthers in the NFC South standings. The Saints sit all the way at the bottom of the table with a 1-6 record to open the 2025 NFL season.
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Mayfield is 3-1 against the Saints since taking over as the Buccaneers’ starting signal caller in 2023. Last season, Tampa Bay swept New Orleans 2-0 with a combined margin of 32 points.
The Buccaneers are 5-2 to begin their 2025 campaign. Last week, the NFC South leaders put forth their worst effort of the year, suffering a 24-9 loss at the hands of the Detroit Lions.
Tampa Bay is injury ridden so far this season, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) and wide receiver Chris Godwin (fibula) have already been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Saints, and veteran pass catcher Mike Evans suffered a season-ending collar bone injury during his return to the field from a hamstring injury this past weekend.
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The Buccaneers will enter their Week 9 bye after Sunday’s rivalry matchup against the Saints.
Sunday’s game will kickoff at 4:05 p.m. ET from New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome. The Saints are on a two-game losing skid since notching their first and only victory of the year in a Week 5 matchup against the New York Giants.
