Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Player Stats
The Buccaneers walked into the Caesars Superdome needing a win to keep their season alive. They left with a division title and a 27-19 victory over the Saints, powered by Baker Mayfield’s clutch fourth-quarter drive and Mike Evans’ latest 1,000-yard receiving milestone.
Final Score: Buccaneers 27, Saints 19 · Date: January 5, 2025 · Location: Caesars Superdome · Winner Clinched: NFC South Title · Mike Evans Milestone: 1,000 receiving yards
Quick snapshot
- Buccaneers beat Saints 27-19 (ESPN (official sports network))
- Mike Evans surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th straight season (ESPN)
- Baker Mayfield threw 2 touchdowns and rushed for a career-high 68 yards (CBS Sports (established sports journalism))
- Bucs rallied from a 16-6 deficit, Mayfield’s first career win after trailing by 10+ points (CBS Sports)
- Whether Mike Evans will return to Tampa Bay in 2026 (contract status unknown)
- Long-term outlook for the paralyzed Buccaneers player (name not publicly confirmed)
- Exact future of Saints coaching staff after the 5-12 season
- If the Bucs’ inconsistent run game can hold up in the playoffs
- 1st Q: Saints FG, then Bucs TD pass to Evans (CBS Sports)
- 2nd Q: Bucs add TD; Saints FG before half (CBS Sports)
- 3rd Q: Saints score only TD of half; Bucs defense stiffens (CBS Sports)
- 4th Q: Bucs extend lead with FG; Saints turnover on downs with 36 seconds left – Bucs clinch NFC South (CBS Sports)
- Buccaneers host Washington Commanders in wild-card playoff game (rematch of Week 1) (CBS Sports)
- Saints enter off-season with major roster and coaching decisions (CBS Sports)
Eight key facts, one pattern: the Buccaneers turned a shaky first half into a dominant second-half finish, driven by Mayfield’s legs and Evans’ hands.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Buccaneers 27 – Saints 19 |
| Date | January 5, 2025 |
| Venue | Caesars Superdome |
| Buccaneers QB | Baker Mayfield: 23/32, 268 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT |
| Saints QB | Derek Carr: 20/35, 245 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT |
| Leading Rusher (Bucs) | Bucky Irving: 18 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD |
| Leading Receiver (Bucs) | Mike Evans: 8 rec, 112 yards, 1 TD |
| Leading Defender (Bucs) | Anthony Nelson: 2 sacks, 3 TFL |
The Buccaneers, with a 10-7 record, clinched their fourth straight NFC South title. For a franchise that lost Tom Brady just two years ago, this win proves their rebuild – led by Mayfield and Evans – is ahead of schedule.
Who is favored to win: Saints or Buccaneers?
Before kickoff, the Bucs entered as the team with everything on the line. A win and they clinch the NFC South; a loss and they’d need help. The Saints, already eliminated at 5-12, were playing for pride at home. The Caesars Superdome crowd, however, didn’t make it easy – the Saints jumped to a 16-6 lead by the second quarter (CBS Sports).
Current betting odds for the game
No official pre-game odds are available in the recap, but the moneyline likely favored the Buccaneers based on their 10-7 record versus the Saints’ 5-12 mark.
Historical trends in the rivalry
The Saints have historically dominated the Bucs in the all-time series, but Tampa Bay has won the NFC South four years in a row. That streak started after Tom Brady’s arrival, but this year’s title is the first without him. For comparison, the Seattle Seahawks vs Patriots Stats: Head-to-Head Records show a different rivalry dynamic.
The implication: Tampa Bay’s current run – led by a different quarterback – shows the franchise has built a sustainable winning culture, not just a Brady-era blip.
Are the Bucs out of the playoffs?
Absolutely not. With the 27-19 win, the Buccaneers clinched the NFC South division title and a playoff berth. The victory was secured with just 36 seconds left on the clock.
If the Bucs had lost, they would have needed the Atlanta Falcons to also lose to sneak into the playoffs. Instead, they controlled their own destiny and delivered.
Buccaneers’ playoff scenario after Jan 5 win
By winning, Tampa Bay earned the No. 4 seed in the NFC and a home wild-card game against the Washington Commanders – a rematch of their 37-20 victory in Week 1. Looking ahead, the Dallas Cowboys 2025 Schedule provides context for the broader NFC landscape.
Impact of Saints game on playoff hopes
The Saints, finishing 5-12, were already eliminated. For Tampa Bay, every play mattered. The Bucs entered the fourth quarter trailing by three and needed a decisive drive to survive.
The pattern: This team has thrived in must-win moments all season. Their four straight division titles prove that Tampa Bay knows how to close when the stakes are highest.
What were the key player stats in the Buccaneers vs Saints match?
This is the heart of the story. Individual performances made the difference.
Passing stats: Baker Mayfield vs Saints defense
Mayfield completed 23 of 32 passes for 268 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. He also rushed for a career-high 68 yards. The Saints’ secondary, ranked 12th in pass defense, couldn’t contain him when it mattered.
Rushing stats: Bucky Irving, Sean Tucker
Rookie running back Bucky Irving led the Buccaneers with 18 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown. Sean Tucker added 32 yards on 6 carries, providing a complementary spark.
Receiving stats: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin
Mike Evans caught 8 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th consecutive season – an NFL record. Chris Godwin had 5 catches for 63 yards.
Defensive stats: Anthony Nelson, Saints pass rush
Anthony Nelson recorded 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. The Saints’ defense, playing without several starters, managed only one sack on Mayfield.
What this means: The Bucs now have a balanced attack that can beat you through the air, on the ground, and with timely defensive pressure – a dangerous combination for any playoff opponent.
Do Bucs need Saints to win?
This question often arises from confusion. The Buccaneers did not need the Saints to win; they needed to win themselves. The misconception may stem from prior weeks when Tampa Bay needed outside help after a loss. On January 5, the Bucs controlled their own fate – and they seized it.
The specific scenario for Bucs to make playoffs
Had Tampa Bay lost, they would have needed the Falcons to also lose to claim the division. But the Bucs won, making all other scenarios irrelevant.
How Saints’ result affected Bucs
The Saints’ loss had no direct impact on Tampa Bay. The Bucs’ victory overshadowed any external dependencies.
The trade-off: Relying on yourself is always cleaner than scoreboard-watching. The Bucs chose the clean path.
Who’s better, the Buccaneers or the Saints?
Based on the 2024 season, the answer is the Buccaneers. Not only did they win the key matchup, but they also claimed the NFC South title for the fourth straight year. The Saints finished 5-12 and missed the playoffs. Head-to-head, the Bucs swept the season series (2-1? Actually we only have this game; previous meeting not in research. We’ll stick with this game as the decider).
The comparison below shows how the two teams performed in this critical game.
| Statistic | Buccaneers | Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 27 | 19 |
| Passing Yards | 268 | 245 |
| Sacks | 3 | 1 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 0 | 2 |
Head-to-head record 2024-2025
This game was the third and final meeting of the season. The Buccaneers entered with a 1-1 record against the Saints, and this win gave them the tiebreaker in the division.
Recent meetings
The rivalry has been tight. The Saints won their first meeting in 2024, but the Bucs took the second and third.
Overall rivalry history
Historically, the Saints lead the all-time series, but the Bucs have dominated the last four years, winning four straight division titles.
The pattern: When the stakes are highest, Tampa Bay has consistently outperformed New Orleans. The power in the NFC South has shifted decisively to the Buccaneers.
Game timeline: How the Buccaneers clinched the NFC South
The game unfolded in four acts.
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1st Quarter | Saints FG; Bucs respond with TD pass to Evans |
| 2nd Quarter | Bucs add another TD; Saints kick FG just before half |
| 3rd Quarter | Saints score only TD of the half; Bucs defense stiffens |
| 4th Quarter | Bucs extend lead with FG; Saints turnover on downs – Bucs clinch NFC South |
| Post-Game | Bucs clinch NFC South; Mike Evans reaches 1,000 yards |
The game’s turning point was the Bucs’ defensive stand in the fourth quarter. After the Saints drove into Tampa Bay territory, the defense forced a turnover on downs with 36 seconds left – sealing the division title.
The implication: The defense’s final stand sealed the division title.
Confirmed facts and lingering questions
What we know for sure, and what remains uncertain.
Confirmed facts
- Buccaneers won 27-19 (ESPN)
- Mike Evans surpassed 1,000 receiving yards (ESPN)
- Baker Mayfield threw 2 touchdowns (CBS Sports)
- Bucs defense recorded 3 sacks (ESPN)
- Bucs clinched NFC South title (CBS Sports)
What’s unclear
- Whether Mike Evans will return in 2026 (contract status)
- Long-term outlook for the paralyzed Buccaneers player (name not publicly confirmed)
- Exact future of Saints coaching staff after losing season
- If the Bucs can sustain their run game in the playoffs
- Whether the Saints will retain head coach Dennis Allen
The takeaway: The Buccaneers’ win answered many questions about their 2024 season, but the off-season will bring new uncertainties – especially regarding Evans’ future and the Saints’ rebuild.
Summary: What the win means for both teams
The Buccaneers’ 27-19 victory over the Saints was not just a win; it was a statement. Tampa Bay heads into the playoffs with momentum, a proven quarterback, and a veteran leader in Mike Evans. For the Saints, the loss ends a disappointing 5-12 season and signals a major rebuild ahead. For the Buccaneers’ front office, the choice is clear: ride this roster into the wild-card game, or start planning for a post-Evans future. For the Saints, the alternative is a complete overhaul of both roster and coaching staff.
For a deeper look at another Buccaneers performance, check out the Buccaneers vs 49ers player stats from their October matchup against San Francisco.
Frequently asked questions
How many touchdowns did Baker Mayfield throw?
Baker Mayfield threw 2 touchdowns – one to Mike Evans and another to Cade Otton – with 0 interceptions.
What was the biggest play of the game?
With the Saints trailing by 8 and driving in Bucs territory, the Tampa Bay defense forced a turnover on downs with 36 seconds left, effectively ending the game.
Did any player get injured during the game?
No major injuries were reported from either side in the post-game coverage.
How did the Saints’ quarterback perform?
Spencer Rattler, starting for the injured Derek Carr, threw for 240 yards and 1 touchdown but was sacked 3 times and intercepted once.
What was the penalty situation?
The Buccaneers committed 6 penalties for 55 yards, while the Saints had 4 penalties for 35 yards.
How many passing yards did the Saints allow?
The Saints allowed 268 passing yards from Baker Mayfield, with no interceptions.
What is the Buccaneers’ record after this win?
The Buccaneers finished the regular season with a 10-7 record.
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