Tonight the Saints (4-8) and Buccaneers (5-6) look to face off in an exciting matchup. The last time the teams faced off in September, the Buccaneers were able to pull out the win 20-10 over the Saints. During this last game, the teams ended up in a fight which led to an ejection suspension for Tampa Bay receiver Mike Evans. Needless to say, tensions will be high for these teams during this rivalry game. Here is the information needed for the fantasy football matchups heading into tonight’s game.

Injuries:

Tampa Bay:  The players out for the Buccaneers are Shaquil Barrett LB (Achilles) and Tristan Wirfs OT (ankle). The players questionable are Luke Goedeke G (foot), Leonard Fournette RB (hip), Russell Gage WR (hamstring), Cameron Brate TE (illness), Logar Ryan S, Vita Vea DT (foot) and Akiem Hicks DE (foot). The players doubtful to play are Mike Edwards S (hamstring), Antoine Winfield Jr. S (ankle) and Sean Murphy-Bunting CB (quadriceps).

New Orleans: The players out for the Saints are Payton Turner DE (ankle), P.J. Williams CB (knee), JT Gray S (hamstring), Juwan Johnson TE (ankle) and Dylan Soehner TE (undisclosed). The players questionable are Pete Werner LB (ankle), Marshon Lattimore CB (abdomen), Kevin White WR (illness), Bradley Roby CB (concussion), Kentavius Street DT and Malcolm Roach DE.

Tampa Bay: In their tough matchup against New Orleans, the Buccaneers will look to move the ball down the field in any way possible. However, it could be a rough night for many players. Expectations should be lowered for Tom Brady as the Saints have let up the sixth-fewest passing yards this season. But if cornerback Marshon Lattimore is to miss the game, the receivers should be able to get open more easily. For the runningbacks, if Leonard Fournette is to play, both him and Rashaad White’s expectations should be lowered to low-end/ running back 2 range, as they were basically splitting carries last time they were both healthy. Also, the Saints let up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. For the receivers, Chris Godwin should see a ton of opportunities with his high target share and should be viewed as a great wide receiver 2 for managers. For Mike Evans, if Marshon Lattimore plays, it will probably be a tough night for him, as they have had battles in the past. If he’s out, however, Evans is a great play. For the other receivers and tight ends on Tampa Bay, managers are really hoping for a touchdown. If a touchdown does not come their way, they likely won’t have a very productive game.

New Orleans: The Buccaneers have let up the least amount of passing yards to opposing teams, and 12th least for rushing yards. With all this being said, it’s likely players struggle in this matchup. Saints Quarterback Andy Dalton should not be started in this tough matchup against this great Tampa Bay defense. Running back Alvin Kamara has had a rough few weeks as a rusher. However, he has helped managers out with receiving upside. He has managed over a 20% target share in this offense, along with an over 63% route participation percentage. Chris Olave is really the only pass catcher that should have a shot in lineups this week. Averaging over seven targets a game, the rookie has a shot for a good performance tonight if he can manage these targets. 

The game tonight should be an interesting one with many possible outcomes.