Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats

Hey there, football fans! If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like settling in on a Sunday afternoon with some chips and dip, ready to watch two NFC South rivals go head-to-head. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints have been trading punches for decades, creating some of the most memorable moments in NFL history. Their rivalry is all about grit, big plays, and those nail-biting finishes that leave you yelling at your TV. Today, we’re diving deep into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats, focusing on their explosive 2024 clashes. Whether you’re a die-hard Bucs fan in Tampa or a Who Dat chanting in the Big Easy, this guide breaks it all down in a way that’s easy to follow—no fancy jargon, just straight-up football talk.

We’ll look at the key games from last season, spotlight the star players and their standout stats, and even peek at the head-to-head history that makes these matchups so special. By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve got a front-row seat to the action. Let’s kick off!

The Epic Rivalry: Why Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Always Delivers

Before we get into the numbers, let’s set the scene. The Buccaneers and Saints have been NFC South foes since the division kicked off in 2002, but their bad blood goes back even further—to the Bucs’ inaugural season in 1976. Over the years, they’ve played 68 regular-season games, with Tampa Bay holding a slight 36-32 edge. It’s the kind of rivalry where every snap feels personal. Think about the Saints’ 2009 playoff magic run, powered by Drew Brees, or the Bucs’ Tom Brady era that flipped the script with Super Bowl glory in 2021.

In 2024, these teams met twice, and both games were instant classics. The first was a wild Week 6 affair in New Orleans on October 13, where the Bucs roared back from a halftime deficit to win 51-27. The second? A tense Week 18 battle in Tampa on January 5, 2025, where the Buccaneers clinched the division with a 27-19 victory. These games weren’t just about wins—they showcased how player stats can swing the momentum. Tampa Bay’s offense exploded for historic totals, while the Saints fought tooth and nail with explosive returns and gritty defense. If you’re searching for Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats, these matchups are gold.

What makes it so fun? The shared history in the humid Gulf Coast heat. Both teams draw from passionate fanbases that turn stadiums into cauldrons. And with stars like Baker Mayfield slinging it for Tampa and rookies stepping up in New Orleans, the player performances always steal the show. Now, let’s break down the 2024 games.

Game 1 Breakdown: Buccaneers 51, Saints 27 (October 13, 2024)

Picture this: The Bucs, fresh off evacuating Tampa due to Hurricane Milton, land in the Caesars Superdome like warriors on a mission. They jumped out to a 17-0 lead, but the Saints clawed back to take a 27-24 halftime edge thanks to a punt return touchdown and some timely picks. From there, it was all Tampa Bay, as their offense hit overdrive. The final score of 51-27 wasn’t just a blowout—it was the second-most points the Saints have ever allowed at home.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Player Stats That Shined

The Bucs’ attack was a clinic in balance. They racked up 594 total yards—the fifth time in NFL history a team hit 300+ passing and 275+ rushing in one game. Here’s a quick table of the top performers:

Mayfield’s stat line might show three picks, but his resilience was key—he overcame them with four scores, including a dagger to Otton late. Evans and Godwin combined for over 200 receiving yards, terrorizing the Saints’ secondary. On the ground, the Bucs averaged 5.2 yards per carry, with White’s vision slicing through gaps. Defensively, Zyon McCollum’s diving interception set up the final Bucs touchdown.

New Orleans Saints Player Stats: Bright Spots in a Tough Loss

The Saints hung tough early, forcing three turnovers and getting a special teams gem. But their defense couldn’t stop the Bucs’ second-half surge, allowing 27 unanswered points. Rookie QB Spencer Rattler made his first start, showing flashes amid the pressure.

Rattler’s debut had promise—his touchdown to Bolden was a beauty—but two picks, including one by McCollum, hurt. Shaheed’s 54-yard punt return touchdown was electric, the longest in Saints history since 2018. Kamara, the veteran back, kept the chains moving, but the Saints’ 40 pass attempts showed their reliance on the air game against Tampa’s rush.

This game highlighted how player stats can tell a story: Tampa’s stars adapted and exploded, while New Orleans’ young guns showed heart but needed more support.

Game 2 Breakdown: Buccaneers 27, Saints 19 (January 5, 2025)

Fast-forward to Week 18. The Bucs needed a win to snag the NFC South crown for the fourth straight year, while the Saints played spoiler after a rollercoaster season. Trailing 16-6 at halftime, Tampa Bay mounted a comeback fueled by Mayfield’s arm and Evans’ reliability. The 27-19 final was gritty—no style points, just pure determination.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Player Stats: Comeback Kings

Down 10 at the break, the Bucs outscored New Orleans 21-3 in the second half. Mayfield’s two touchdown passes were the difference, and Evans etched his name in history.

Mayfield’s efficiency shone—he completed 68% of his passes and delivered when it mattered, rallying from a deficit the Bucs hadn’t overcome like that since 2022. Evans’ final catch pushed him to 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons, a feat only Jerry Rice matched. Defensively, the line—led by Vea—held Kamara in check.

New Orleans Saints Player Stats: Fighting to the End

The Saints led most of the way, thanks to field goals and a Rattler touchdown. But turnovers and missed tackles let Tampa pull away.

Rattler’s poise improved from Game 1, with a sharp score to Pettis, but an interception sealed their fate. Olave’s yards after catch were crucial, and Davis’ veteran savvy nearly flipped the script. Still, the Saints’ 19 points showed their fight, even in defeat.

These two games flipped the script on expectations—Tampa’s 78-46 aggregate score masked how close it felt in the moment.

Standout Players: Who Owned the Matchups?

When it comes to Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints player stats, a few names dominate. Let’s spotlight the MVPs from these tilts.

Baker Mayfield: The Bucs’ Gunslinger

Mayfield’s 2024 season was magical—4,500 yards, 41 TDs, and a 106.8 rating league-wide. Against the Saints, he combined for 46/68 passing, 570 yards, 6 TDs, and 4 INTs. His ability to shrug off mistakes (like those three picks in Game 1) and deliver in crunch time echoes his Heisman days. Fun fact: He’s thrown more TDs vs. New Orleans (12) than any other opponent since 2023.

Mike Evans: Mr. Consistent

Evans terrorized Saints DBs, grabbing 15 catches for 187 yards and 3 TDs across the two games. His 11th straight 1,000-yard year in Game 2? Legendary. At 31, he’s still a matchup nightmare, averaging 12.5 yards per catch in these games.

Spencer Rattler: Rookie Resolve

Stepping in for an injured Derek Carr, Rattler went 40/68 for 453 yards, 2 TDs, and 3 INTs vs. Tampa. His arm talent popped—deep balls to Olave and Bolden—but the Bucs’ pass rush exposed green moments. Still, at 24, he’s a bright spot for Saints fans.

Alvin Kamara: The Workhorse

Kamara totaled 26 carries for 123 yards and 1 TD, plus some receiving work. His vision in traffic kept drives alive, even if Tampa’s front seven limited the big gains.

Defensive Stars: McCollum and Davis

Zyon McCollum’s two picks for Tampa were game-changers, while Demario Davis’ 16 tackles and sack showed why he’s a future Hall of Famer at 36.

Head-to-Head History: Stats That Span Eras

Looking broader, the Bucs lead the all-time series 36-32, but the Saints own the recent edge (7-3 since 2020). Iconic moments? The Saints’ 31-28 playoff win in 2020 on a blocked punt return, or Tampa’s 48-27 domination in 2001.

Player legacies shine here: Drew Brees threw for 3,500+ yards vs. Tampa in his career, while Mike Alstott rushed for over 1,000 against New Orleans. In rushing TDs, Kamara leads active players with 5 vs. the Bucs. These Buccaneers Saints head-to-head player stats remind us: Rivalries aren’t built on one game—they’re forged over decades.

What These Stats Mean for Fans and Fantasy

For casual fans, these numbers show why NFL Sundays are addictive—heroes rise, underdogs scrap, and stats become stories. Fantasy folks? Stock up on Mayfield and Evans; they’ve feasted on this matchup. Looking ahead to 2025, with the October 26 rematch looming, expect more fireworks.