New Orleans Saints 2020 NFL schedule: 5 must-win games

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints and Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints take the field during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 17: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball during the third quarter of a football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 17, 2019, in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

3. Away: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While everyone is assuming the Saints will be in the hunt for home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, but that won’t happen if New Orleans can’t win its own division. Taking care of business in the NFC South is a priority for the Saints and their biggest challenge in it is from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

New Orleans swept Tampa Bay a year ago, but this is a much different Buccaneers’ team than the one the Saints handled in 2019. That is due to Tom Brady’s decision to come to Tampa Bay, giving the Buccaneers a massive upgrade at the quarterback position.

The big difference between what Brady offers the Buccaneers as opposed to last year’s starter, Jameis Winston, is ball security. Winston did lead the NFL in passing yardage in 2019, but he also tossed a league-high 30 interceptions, which often short-circuited Tampa Bay drives.

Brady should be able to get the best out of the Tampa Bay offense, which will mean a lot since the Buccaneers already have a strong defense. The Saints have had recent trouble dealing with Brady as well since he has won his last two head-to-head matchups with New Orleans.

The away game is critical for the Saints to avoid giving Tampa Bay a chance to establish some divisional momentum in front of their home fans (assuming fans are allowed at games this fall). If New Orleans can topple Tampa Bay at Raymond James Stadium it will significantly bolster the Saints’ odds of winning the NFC South.

Home/New Orleans Saints