Saints vs. Buccaneers: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

Week 2 of NFL action features a major showdown in the NFC South between two squads heading in drastically different directions, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers welcome the New Orleans Saints to Raymond James Stadium.

The Saints are back to their old ways with Sean Payton directing things after serving his suspension last year. New Orleans downed the favored Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 while showcasing a balanced offense that went for over 400 yards and a new 3-4 defense that stifled Matt Ryan and Co. to seven second-half points.

Tampa Bay started the year on the road against a New York Jets team featuring a rookie quarterback in Geno Smith. Buccaneers starting back Doug Martin was held to just 65 yards as the Jets stunned Tampa after a late penalty on Lavonte David pushed New York into field-goal range.

An 0-2 start would not doom Tampa Bay, but a 2-0 start for New Orleans both overall and in the NFC South is a major advantage.

Here are the key details fans need to know heading into the divisional showdown:

When: Sunday, Sept. 15, at 4:05 p.m. ET

Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Fla.

Watch: Fox

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Betting Lines (via Bovada)

• Over/Under: 47.5 pts
• Spread: New Orleans (-3.5)

Buccaneers Injury Report (via NFL.com)  

Tom Crabtree	TE	Ankle		Out
Adrian Clayborn	DE	Hip		Probable
Michael Adams	CB	Knee		Out
Rashaan Melvin	CB	Hamstring		Questionable
Erik Lorig	RB	Calf		Probable
Carl Nicks	G	Foot		Questionable

Saints Injury Report (via NFL.com) 

Roman Harper	S	Knee		Questionable
Curtis Lofton	LB	Knee		Probable
Brodrick Bunkley	DT	Calf		Out
Tyrunn Walker	DT	Knee		Out
Isa Abdul-Quddus	S	Ankle		Out
Martez Wilson	LB	Elbow		Probable
Junior Galette	LB	Hamstring		Probable
Corey White	CB	Illness		Questionable
Akiem Hicks	DE	Knee		Questionable
Tom Johnson	DE	Foot		Questionable
Jahri Evans	G	Back		Probable
Khiry Robinson	RB	--		--
Patrick Robinson	CB	Foot		Questionable
Marques Colston	WR	Foot		Probable
Zach Strief	T	Neck		Probable
Jabari Greer	CB	Back		Questionable
Glenn Foster	DE	Ankle		Questionable

Can Tampa Bay Slow Down Drew Brees?

More than anything, the Buccaneers need a new-look secondary featuring huge additions such as Darrelle Revis and Dashon Goldson to show up. 

Last week the big-name unit allowed rookie Geno Smith to have his way as he threw for 256 yards and a score.

If a rookie can do that kind of damage, imagine what Drew Brees can do.

A total of 684 yards and eight touchdowns—that's the damage Brees brutally inflicted on Tampa Bay in two wins last season. If Tampa Bay is to stand any chance at all against Brees, who threw for 357 yards and two scores last week, the Buccaneers have to not only apply pressure consistently, but hold up in coverage.

Last week Tampa Bay notched five sacks and still lost. A better offensive line, quarterback and a more well-rounded offense from New Orleans will greet the Buccaneers defense on Sunday. If the unit performs anything like last week, 0-2 is the only rational outcome.

Prediction

Losses like the one Tampa Bay experienced a week ago can cripple a season. That may not be the end result after four more months of football, but an encounter with a team like New Orleans at full strength and a renewed sense of purpose isn't going to end well.

Tampa Bay allowed 304 total yards to the Jets and surrendered 22 first downs while its own offense could only convert 12 times, losing the time-of-possession battle by five minutes.

Against Payton's balanced approach that held the ball 35 minutes to Atlanta's 24, Martin, Freeman and Co. may have a hard time getting anything going again.

Even on the road, New Orleans is playing a higher level of football at the moment and will win big.

Final Score 

Saints win 42-17

Follow B/R's Chris Roling on Twitter for more news and analysis @Chris_Roling