Get ready for a shocking upset that’s shaking up the NFC South! On December 7, 2025, the New Orleans Saints pulled off a stunning 24-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, proving that records don’t always tell the full story. But here’s where it gets controversial: Are the Saints truly underdogs, or have they been underestimated all along? Let’s dive in.
Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has quietly become a road warrior, taking down the top two teams in the NFC South away from home. Against the Buccaneers, Shough wasn’t just good—he was electric, rushing for two touchdowns, including a jaw-dropping 13-yard scramble that sealed the deal in the fourth quarter. And this is the part most people miss: Shough’s 34-yard TD run in the second half wasn’t just a highlight—it was his longest career run, flipping the game on its head. The Saints (3-10) may have entered as 8 1/2-point underdogs, but they left Tampa Bay with a win that tightened the division race.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers (7-6) are in freefall. After losing for the fourth time in five games, they’re now tied for first place with the Carolina Panthers. Baker Mayfield, who once sparkled early in the season, looked disjointed, throwing for just 122 yards and an interception. His receivers didn’t help, with drops by Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka costing the Bucs crucial opportunities. As Godwin himself admitted, ‘It’s not whatever—we have to correct it.’ But is it too late for the Bucs to salvage their season?
The game was a slugfest, played through a driving storm that seemed to mirror the chaos on the field. Both teams struggled on fourth downs, with the Saints and Bucs combining for multiple failed attempts. Yet, it was New Orleans’ ability to capitalize on Tampa Bay’s mistakes that made the difference. Saints coach Kellen Moore praised his team’s resilience, saying, ‘Our guys have faced a lot of adversity this year and they’ve grown through this journey.’
Here’s the bold question: Is this the beginning of the Saints’ rise, or just a one-off upset? And for the Bucs, is their dynasty crumbling? With Tampa Bay and Carolina facing off twice in the final three games, the NFC South is anyone’s game. What do you think? Are the Saints a sleeping giant, or are the Bucs simply in a slump? Let us know in the comments!
Looking ahead, the Saints host Carolina next Sunday, while the Buccaneers welcome Atlanta on Thursday night. One thing’s for sure: this division race just got a whole lot more interesting.
