The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will conclude the 2024 regular season slate by hosting the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium in Week 18. With a win, the Buccaneers would clinch the NFC South crown and punch their ticket to the playoffs with home-field advantage in the first round. The club is coming off a robust 48-14 victory over the Panthers in Week 17 in which the Bucs' offense accumulated 551 net yards of offense and 33 first downs, while Todd Bowles' defense tallied five sacks against Bryce Young. Tampa Bay will face a New Orleans' defense that ranks 30th in the NFL in total defense and 30th in rush defense. Following kickoff, here are five Buccaneers to keep an eye on:
Mike Evans
Mike Evans needs 85 yards against the Saints to surpass 1,000 yards for the 11th consecutive season. The future Hall of Fame receiver brought in a team-high eight receptions against the Panthers for a team-high 97 yards and two receiving touchdowns. With his performance, Evans surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Largent (819) for the 36th-most receptions in NFL history, and surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famers Tim Brown and Don Hutson (105) for the 21st-most total touchdowns in NFL history. Evans eclipsed the 60-catch mark in Sunday's win, his 11th consecutive season with 60-plus catches – the longest-such streak to begin a player's career. In doing so, Evans tied Jerry Rice, Derrick Mason and Travis Kelce (11) for the fourth-most consecutive 60-catch seasons in NFL history. On his opening-drive touchdown against Carolina, Evans faked like he was going to work outside for a fade and once the defensive back took the bait, Evans achieved inside leverage on a slant for the score. Evans used that to set up his next triumph. His second touchdown of the day came on a back-shoulder grab on a fade pass from Mayfield, providing the Bucs with a momentum boost. Against the Saints, Evans will strive to etch his place in the record books.
Jalen McMillan
Rookie receiver Jalen McMillan has carved out a role as the number-two weapon alongside Evans, stepping up in the absence of Chris Godwin. McMillan has hauled in six touchdowns in the Buccaneers' last four games, the most by any NFL player in that span. McMillan has played the majority of his snaps on the outside in 2024 but is also capable of working out of the slot. His route running mimics that of a vested veteran with his understanding of angles and leverage to manipulate defensive backs. Whether curls, digs, fly sweeps or option routes, McMillan has helped move the chains with YAC yards. He has long- strided speed and when lined up wide, he will go up against cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. The Saints' second-round pick has been thrust into a larger role following the departure of Marshon Lattimore. McKinstry has started eight games and has accumulated 39 tackles and five passes defensed. McKinstry is able to mirror releases from press and is aggressive at the catch point. He is comfortable on an island and is able to disrupt the timing of routes. McKinstry closes quickly on throws in his area, and this will be a fun matchup in Week 18.
Yaya Diaby
Trevor Penning has started all 16 games this season at right tackle for the Saints and while he has been flagged for 12 penalties and has allowed five sacks, he has made strides on the right side. Penning finishes blocks with violence and is known for his fiery temperament. He plays with solid bend and above-average strength to bulldoze the opposition. Penning has quickness as a pull blocker, and he will face Yaya Diaby on Sunday. Diaby has 3.5 sacks on the season and is tied with Calijah Kancey for the most quarterback hits on the team (16). He has tallied 52 quarterback pressures and has consistently wreaked havoc at the line. Although his sack numbers may not be flashy, Diaby has forced quarterbacks to speed through progressions, inviting errant throws/mistakes for the secondary to capitalize off of. Diaby has harnessed his power into a variety of pass rush moves in 2024. He pairs lateral movement skills with a devastating punch to separate at the point of attack.
Graham Barton
Overall, the Saints' defense has struggled in 2024. The unit ranks 30th in the NFL in total defense and 30th in rush defense. However, defensive tackle Bryan Bresee has had a breakout year and leads the team in 7.5 sacks – first among DTs. In the Saints' win over the Giants, Bresee blocked a field goal to help secure the victory. He is a disruptor on both twists and stunts and commands the point of attack. He is an explosive force with the ability to take on double teams. On Sunday, he will face Bucs' rookie center Graham Barton. Barton made a smooth transition from left tackle, where he played the previous three seasons at Duke, to center in Tampa Bay's offensive line. He assumed the starting role and has played an integral role in the team's success on the ground. Barton has been an effective contributor as a puller in the team's counter gap runs, creating lanes for rushers. He has also held up against some of the league's most dominant defensive tackles, allowing just one sack in 2024. Barton is quick off the line and is adept at second-level climbs. He plays with great body control and twitchy hands, fortifying the front line in Tampa Bay.
Tykee Smith
In the Week Six matchup against the Saints, Tykee Smith generated five tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and two passes defensed. He is one of four players in the NFL with three-plus forced fumbles, five passes defensed and two-plus interceptions in 2024, joining Jessie Bates III, Fred Warner and Zaire Franklin. Smith can play a variety of roles in Todd Bowles' defense and has consistently found the football with instinctual play. The Georgia product has outstanding awareness in coverage and possesses elite route recognition. The coaching staff has raved about his high football IQ for a rookie that has led to production. He is a physical force against the run and can play both safety positions, as well as align at slot corner. Smith is fluid in his transitions and has short-area burst, enhancing his ability to jump routes. He will be a key piece in the Bucs' defense on Sunday against New Orleans.
