The NFL announced its finalized slate of Week 18 games, including the regular season finale between the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon CT/1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 5.
It’s not surprising to see the Saints relegated to an early time slot in a low-profile day of games; they’ve been eliminated from the playoffs and have been outscored 59-10 over their last two losses. These NFC South rivalry games are always intense but there are more compelling matchups to put in the spotlight.
Still, the Saints have plenty of reasons to fight hard for a win. Beating the Buccaneers would jeopardize Tampa Bay’s own playoff chances, and another win is unlikely to hurt the Saints’ position in the 2025 NFL draft. It would be a great way to rebuild morale before what’s looking like a difficult offseason kicks off in January. But that’s easier said than done against a Bucs team that already dropped 50 points on the Saints’ heads earlier this year.
