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With their playoff hopes long extinguished, the Saints can take solace in possibly putting a dent in the Buccaneers' postseason hopes on Sunday. 

New Orleans fell to 2-10 last week after losing a hard-fought game against the suddenly-surging Miami Dolphins. In defeat, the Saints received an encouraging performance from rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who engineered a late comeback attempt that came up just short. 

After three straight losses, Tampa Bay got back on track last Sunday with a 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The Buccaneers welcomed back the return of running back Bucky Irving, who had 81 all-purpose yards and a touchdown on 19 touches. 

Here's how you can follow the action on Sunday along with our breakdown and prediction of this NFC South showdown. 

Where to watch Saints vs. Buccaneers live

  • When: Sunday, Dec. 7 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
  • Where: Raymond James Stadium -- Tampa, Florida  
  • TV: Fox | Stream: Fubo (try for free)
  • Follow: CBS Sports App
  • Odds: Buccaneers -8.5, O/U 42.5 (via FanDuel Sportsbook)

Saints vs. Buccaneers: Need to know 

  • Panthers on the prowl. A win on Sunday would certainly help the Buccaneers in their bid to win a fourth straight NFC South title. Tampa Bay (7-5) is currently just a half-game ahead of the Panthers, who are currently 10th in the NFC standings. Carolina is on its bye this week and face the Saints next Sunday in New Orleans. 
  • Evans update. The Buccaneers have opened up the 21-day practice window for veteran wideout Mike Evans, who hasn't played since he broke his collarbone during the team's Week 7 loss to the Lions. 
  • A star is born. With Evans and Chris Godwin out, Emeka Egbuka has emerged as Baker Mayfield's go-to receiving option. The former Ohio State standout currently leads the team with 791 yards and six touchdowns on 52 receptions. Fellow rookie Tez Johnson is currently second on the team with five touchdown catches. 
  • Feast or famine. While Tampa Bay fields one of the NFL's worst pass and red zone defenses, they have a knack for getting big plays from their defensive backs. Jamel Dean, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Anthony Nelson have a combined six interceptions and two interception returns for scores between them. 
  • Points at a premium. Scoring has been an ongoing issue for the Saints under first-year coach Kellen Moore. Currently 30th in the NFL in scoring, the Saints have scored over 20 points just once this season and haven't done so since putting 26 on the board against the Giants back in Week 5. Having the league's worst-ranked red zone offense certainly doesn't help in terms of scoring points. 
  • Shough showing progress. The Saints' 26-year-old rookie QB has shown considerable growth heading into his fifth start. In New Orleans' last three games, he's completing an impressive 69.4% of his throws with four touchdowns and two interceptions. He's recently developed a rapport with former Bronco Devaughn Vele, who caught all eight of his targets for 93 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins. 
  • Stingy Saints. While they're 22nd in points allowed, the Saints' defense has been tough to throw against as they are currently seventh in the NFL in passing yards allowed. New Orleans' defense is also ninth in the NFL in third down efficiency. The unit has been led by ageless wonder Demario Davis (111 tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery) and defensive backs Kool-Aid McKinstry (three interceptions, nine pass breakups) and Justin Reid (one pick-six, 60 tackles). 

Saints vs. Buccaneers prediction, pick 

New Orleans has made progress, but not enough to convince me to pick them in an upset against a Buccaneers team that is getting healthy at the right time. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints are able to keep it relatively close. Pick: Buccaneers -8.5, Under 42.5