season

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-new-orleans-without-alvin-kamara-panthers');   ga('set', 'title', 'Why Saints will be without Alvin Kamara vs. Panthers');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Alvin-Kamara-with-NO-Saints.jpg"><figcaption> Bob Donnan-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Why Saints will be without Alvin Kamara vs. Panthers</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-12T11:32:22-08:00">December 12th, 11:32am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-12T11:41:00-08:00">December 12th, 11:41am</time><address><a>Christopher Hennessy</a>Christopher Hennessy is a Senior Editor at ClutchPoints, with expertise in MLB, NHL and golf. Chris graduated with a journalism degree from Fordham University in 2022. He has also worked at Spectrum News One in Albany, New York and with The Hockey Writers as a New York Islanders writer. Chris is originally from Connecticut and is a lifelong New York Yankees, Islanders, and Jets fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">New Orleans Saints</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The New Orleans Saints are 3-10 heading into Week 15, but they can sweep a season series. They beat the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-tyler-shough-franchise-first-1981">Carolina Panthers the first time around, winning 17-7</a>, and are coming off a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Saints will have to do it without Alvin Kamara, however, as he will be<a href="https://x.com/Saints/status/1999557161966309735" rel="noopener"> out with an injury.</a></p><p>“Kellen Moore said Alvin Kamara (Knee/Ankle) is OUT for Sunday’s game,” the team’s official social media account posted.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-alvin-kamara-exits-falcons-game-knee-injury">Kamara left the Saints’ Week 13 matchup with the Falcons</a> due to an injury and has not played since. Devin Neal has taken the job and run with it, scoring a touchdown in the win over the Buccaneers. Neal combined with fellow rookie, quarterback Tyler Shough, to upset the Buccaneers. Now, they can make more of an impact in the NFC South race.</p><p>Kamara was in trade rumors ahead of the November deadline, but did not leave New Orleans. He was drafted by the Saints in the famed 2017 class and has been a great producer for the team ever since. Even in a lost season with an injury, he has nearly 700 total yards.</p><p>The Saints will have to undergo some serious roster renovations in the offseason. Kamara has one year left before hitting unrestricted free agency, which could reignite the trade conversations in the offseason. If he wants to remain with the Saints, that may only take him so far. Playoff contenders with struggling run games, like the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, could be on the phone for Kamara.</p><p>The Saints have three games to go after the Week 15 clash with the Panthers. They close out their home schedule in Week 16 with a game against the New York Jets. Then, they finish on the road against the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons. Can the Saints pull off a few more wins?</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Why Saints will be without Alvin Kamara vs. Panthers

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-kellen-moore-puts-down-tyler-shough-doubters-philip-rivers-bar');   ga('set', 'title', 'Saints’ Kellen Moore puts down Tyler Shough doubters with Philip Rivers bar');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Tyler-Shough.jpg"><figcaption>Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Saints’ Kellen Moore puts down Tyler Shough doubters with Philip Rivers bar</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-10T21:35:55-08:00">December 10th, 9:35pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-10T21:35:55-08:00">December 10th, 9:35pm</time><address><a>Matty Breisch</a>Matty Breisch is a Senior Editor at ClutchPoints. He can be read at Heavy, FanSided, The Needle Drop, Philadelphia Sports Network, and right here at ClutchPoints. Are you ready to read about football and wrestling? Well, you've come to the right place.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">New Orleans Saints</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>At 3-10, the New Orleans Saints are likely keeping a very close watch on bowl game season and the College Football Playoffs, as they will almost certainly have a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/2026-nfl-draft-race-no-1-pick-top-targets-worst-teams">top-5 draft pick locked up</a> by the time the 2026 NFL playoffs roll around.</p><p>Considering the Saints’ uncertain future, it makes sense that some fans have wondered if New Orleans could be in play for a quarterback at the top of the draft, especially since their current rookie QB, Tyler Shough, just turned 26 back in September, even after a huge Week 14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.</p><p>Could the Saints ultimately draft a quarterback in 2026? Sure, but not necessarily because of Shough’s age, as, in Kellen Moore’s opinion, if <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-indianapolis-makes-philip-rivers-signing-official">Philip Rivers can play at 44</a>, the Louisville product will be okay at 26.</p><p>“Phillip Rivers is still playing at 44, so I think Tyler is going to be OK,” Moore declared via Katherine Terrell.</p><p>One of the more tenured quarterbacks in college football history, appearing in 42 games with 32 starts between his time at Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville, Shough was still deemed a prospect worthy of a top-50 pick, with the Saints opting to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-new-orleans-drafts-tyler-shough-not-shedeur-sanders-no-40">select him over Shedeur Sanders at pick 40</a>.</p><p>Though the sample size hasn’t been huge, as Spencer Rattler got some play early in the season, Shough has still done some encouraging things at the NFL level, going 2-3 as a starter while completing 65.2 percent of his passes for 1,212 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions. If he wins enough games to knock New Orleans out of the top-5, who knows, maybe the Saints will have to select a blue-chip prospect and give him a full run in 2026 to sink or swim either way.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Saints’ Kellen Moore puts down Tyler Shough doubters with Philip Rivers bar

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-panic-meter-shocking-loss-saints');   ga('set', 'title', 'Buccaneers panic meter after shocking upset loss against Saints');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Buccaneers-panic-meter-after-shocking-upset-loss-against-Saints.jpg"></figure><h1>Buccaneers panic meter after shocking upset loss against Saints</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-08T18:55:54-08:00">December 8th, 6:55pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-08T19:07:50-08:00">December 8th, 7:07pm</time><address><a href="http://hoopnut.blogspot.com/">Enzo Flojo</a>Enzo Flojo is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints and a columnist for Asian basketball at FIBA. He brings a dynamic spirit and background, having expertise that spans writing, analytics, coaching, and broadcasting. He is also currently an Assistant Coach on Scouting &amp; Analytics for the Philippine national youth basketball team.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered Week 14 with a chance to tighten their grip on the NFC South and build momentum for a postseason push. Instead, they delivered their most troubling performance of the season. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-todd-bowles-drops-disheartening-truth-bomb-stunning-loss-saints">A stunning 24-20 home loss to the New Orleans Saints</a> (now 3-10), who were playing a rookie quarterback in miserable weather, has jolted the Bucs’ playoff outlook. It has also triggered legitimate panic across Tampa Bay. What should have been a routine divisional win became a showcase of defensive breakdowns and offensive misfires that leave the Bucs’ season hanging in the balance.</p><h2><b>Shocking Week 14 loss</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Buccaneers-outside-linebacker-Jason-Pierre-Paul-90-celebrates.jpg"><figcaption>Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Buccaneers didn’t play the Jaguars in Week 14. However, their upset loss to the Saints was every bit as impactful as any result across the league. In a rainy, inconsistent afternoon at Raymond James Stadium, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough stunned Tampa with two rushing touchdowns. Those included a remarkable spinning 13-yard score where he slipped past Vita Vea and Logan Hall to give New Orleans a fourth-quarter lead. Running back Devin Neal also contributed a 3-yard rushing TD earlier in the game. Meanwhile, Charlie Smyth’s 30-yard field goal tied the score at 17 midway through the second half.</p><p>For Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield posted a respectable 243 passing yards. He found Chris Godwin for a touchdown, but <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-baker-mayfield-falcons-warning-excruciating-loss-saints">Tampa’s offense faltered in the moments that mattered most</a>. Red-zone failures proved costly. These were punctuated by Emeka Egbuka’s dropped end-zone pass that forced a field goal attempt instead of a go-ahead touchdown. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers’ defense was overwhelmed. They surrendered 429 total yards and failed to record a single sack against a Saints team that has struggled for offensive rhythm all season. Though Rachaad White and Sean Tucker combined for 120 rushing yards, it wasn’t enough to overcome critical mistakes.</p><p>Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Tampa Bay Buccaneers panic meter <a href="https://www.espn.ph/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/401772792" rel="noopener">after shocking upset loss against Saints</a>.</p><h2><b>Panic meter spikes</b></h2><p>The Buccaneers’ loss pushes their panic meter to 8 out of 10. That’s not just because of the upset itself but due to what it reveals about the team’s recurring flaws. Tampa Bay dropped to 7-6 and saw its divisional lead evaporate completely. Now, the Carolina Panthers are tied with them atop the NFC South. Everything that has plagued the Bucs this season was magnified in a game they had no business losing.</p><p>The biggest concerns stem from self-inflicted wounds. Red-zone inefficiency continues to haunt the offense, particularly in tight games. Going 0-for-2 on touchdowns inside the 20 was the difference between victory and defeat. The pass rush was equally concerning. Despite facing a rookie QB behind a shaky offensive line, the Bucs failed to secure a single sack. Shough was able to escape containment repeatedly. He extended plays and demoralized a Tampa defense built to dominate weaker opponents.</p><p>Even worse, the Saints’ 429-yard output marks one of the most porous defensive efforts of the Bucs’ season. Todd Bowles’ unit has been known for its toughness and adaptability. Yet it appeared flat-footed and unprepared for a mobile quarterback. Bowles’ clock management and adjustments have also been placed under scrutiny. Mamy have questioned whether the head coach is keeping pace with the tempo and creativity of today’s NFL.</p><p>The Buccaneers entered Week 14 with control of the division and a clear path to the postseason. Now, they’re staring down a razor-thin margin for error, and the opponents ahead know it.</p><h2><b>Division suddenly in chaos</b></h2><p>The NFC South was once Tampa Bay’s to lose. Now, after an embarrassing home defeat, the Bucs have turned the race into a free-for-all. The Panthers are now level with Tampa and hold the emotional edge after watching the Bucs collapse. Worse yet, the Buccaneers face Carolina <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-tampa-bay-could-get-mike-evans-tristan-wirfs-back-for-falcons-game">and also Atlanta over the next three weeks</a>. That includes two matchups against the Panthers in Weeks 16 and 18 that could decisively determine the NFC South champion.</p><p>The stunning loss to the Saints didn’t drop Tampa out of first place. That was thanks to Carolina’s bye week. Still, it did strip the Bucs of their cushion. Tampa’s remaining schedule is softer than Carolina’s, sure. That said, soft schedules don’t matter when you can’t capitalize on opportunities. The reality is that this team has repeatedly struggled to put inferior opponents away.</p><h2><b>Raising bigger questions</b></h2><p>If the Bucs can’t beat a two-win Saints team in their own building, what confidence should anyone have in their ability to win crucial division games with the season on the line?</p><p>The playoff picture is still technically favorable. Win three of their four games, and Tampa likely punches its postseason ticket. That said, the path forward is fragile, and the loss to the Saints makes every step dangerous.</p><h2><b>Qualify or crumble?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Buccaneers-V1.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Bucs still control their fate, but momentum and identity are slipping fast. Tampa Bay has been its own worst enemy all season. This Saints game was the clearest example yet. The talent is there on both sides of the ball. The coaching expertise exists. The veteran leadership from Mayfield, Lavonte David, and Mike Evans remains strong.</p><p>But execution? Consistency? Killer instinct? Those elements are missing.</p><p>The problem is how the Bucs lost, and to whom. Sunday felt less like a blip and more like a warning siren.</p><p>If Tampa Bay can regroup quickly, the division is still theirs to win. However, if their self-inflicted issues persist, this could become one of the most painful collapses in recent NFL memory. Either way, the panic meter is flashing bright red, and the clock is ticking.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Buccaneers panic meter after shocking upset loss against Saints

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/carolina-panthers/panthers-news-buccaneers-loss-saints-puts-carolina-position-seen-2017');   ga('set', 'title', 'Buccaneers’ brutal loss to Saints puts Panthers in position not seen since 2017');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Dave-Canales-with-Panthers-1.jpg"><figcaption>Scott Kinser-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Buccaneers’ brutal loss to Saints puts Panthers in position not seen since 2017</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-07T13:34:28-08:00">December 7th, 1:34pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-07T13:34:28-08:00">December 7th, 1:34pm</time><address><a>Christopher Hennessy</a>Christopher Hennessy is a Senior Editor at ClutchPoints, with expertise in MLB, NHL and golf. Chris graduated with a journalism degree from Fordham University in 2022. He has also worked at Spectrum News One in Albany, New York and with The Hockey Writers as a New York Islanders writer. Chris is originally from Connecticut and is a lifelong New York Yankees, Islanders, and Jets fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Carolina Panthers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Carolina Panthers are on bye in Week 14, but they picked up a huge win in the playoff picture. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-tyler-shough-houdini-act-new-orleans-lead-buccaneers">lost to the New Orleans Saints, dropping them to 7-6 on the season</a>. The Panthers, also at 7-6, are tied with the Buccaneers for the top spot in the NFC South. According to Joe Person of The Athletic, this is a <a href="https://x.com/josephperson/status/1997775366232969616" rel="noopener">first since the</a> Cam Newton era.</p><p>“Bucs are going to lose to the Saints. Panthers (7-6) will move into a tie for first with Tampa Bay. The last time Carolina was tied for first this late in the season was 2017,” Person reported.</p><p>2017 was the last time the Panthers made the playoffs, finishing 11-5 and earning a Wild Card spot. Since then, they have not won more than seven games. The New Orleans Saints were also 11-5 that season, winning the division on a tiebreaker. The tiebreaker this year has not been decided.</p><p>The Panthers have two games left against the Buccaneers. They will face off in Carolina in Week 16 and in Tampa in Week 18, potentially to decide the division. With the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/atlanta-falcons/falcons-news-james-pearce-jr-accomplishes-feat-micah-parsons">Atlanta Falcons picking up their eighth loss on Sunday</a>, only Carolina and Tampa can realistically win the crown.</p><p>The Panthers face the Saints in Week 15, needing a win to keep pace with Tampa Bay. Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers will host the Falcons on a short week on Thursday Night Football. Both games are vital to the division race before the division rivalry opens up in Week 16.</p><p>The Panthers have jumped into the division race from nowhere. They started 1-3, but a win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 5 kick-started the comeback. Bryce Young has improved, Dave Canales is in the Coach of the Year race, and the defense has stepped up in big spots.</p><p>Can the Panthers come all the way back and steal the division?</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Buccaneers’ brutal loss to Saints puts Panthers in position not seen since 2017

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-tyler-shough-houdini-act-new-orleans-lead-buccaneers');   ga('set', 'title', 'Tyler Shough pulls off Houdini act to give Saints the lead over Buccaneers');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Tyler-Shough-1.jpg"><figcaption>Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Tyler Shough pulls off Houdini act to give Saints the lead over Buccaneers</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-07T13:07:06-08:00">December 7th, 1:07pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-07T13:07:06-08:00">December 7th, 1:07pm</time><address><a>Dan Fappiano</a>Dan Fappiano is a Connecticut-based sports journalist with over five years of professional experience. After graduating from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism, he has covered every sport from fencing to football in the online and print medium. Dan hopes to see his beloved Bears win a Super Bowl someday.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">New Orleans Saints</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-tyler-shough-franchise-first-1981">New Orleans Saints are getting a long look at what second-round pick Tyler Shough can offer</a> at the quarterback position. He certainly <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/saints-vs-buccaneers-bold-predictions-for-week-14-clash">gave the Saints a show in Week 14</a> against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.</p><p>After marching down the field, New Orleans was set up in the red zone. On first-and-10, Tampa Bay seemed to have brought Shough down in the backfield. But <a href="https://x.com/Schultz_Report/status/1997767861046067549" rel="noopener">he fought off tacklers</a>, running in for a 13-yard touchdown.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">NFL fans should start paying attention to Tyler Shough… <a href="https://t.co/Mome3KyN7S">pic.twitter.com/Mome3KyN7S</a></p><p>— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) <a href="https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1997767861046067549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Shough’s touchdown run gave the Saints a 24-17 lead. The Buccaneers then hit a field goal on their ensuing drive, cutting the advantage to 24-20. With just under five minutes remaining, Shough is looking to keep New Orleans’ foot on the gas and not give up a late lead.</p><p>When he hasn’t been running, the quarterback has completed 12-of-18 passes for 131 yards and an interception. Shough has been efficient with the ball, although the pick is a clear blemish on his mark. He’s also had to battle through three sacks.</p><p>Earning a victory over a NFC South rival in the Buccaneers would go a long way in Shough’s case for keeping the starting job heading into 2026. Heading into Week 14, the QB had completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 1,068 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions.</p><p>One win, no matter how impressive, won’t solely give Shough the job. Head coach Kellen Moore and company will thoroughly evaluate the position over the offseason. Their spot in the 2026 NFL Draft will play a key role in their quarterback future as well.</p><p>But at the very least, when Moore watches back the tape, he won’t be able to miss Shough’s improbable rushing touchdown against the Buccaneers.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Tyler Shough pulls off Houdini act to give Saints the lead over Buccaneers

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-chris-olave-green-light-week-14-buccaneers');   ga('set', 'title', 'Chris Olave gets green light for Week 14 vs. Buccaneers');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chris-Olave.jpg"><figcaption>Bob Donnan-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Chris Olave gets green light for Week 14 vs. Buccaneers</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-06T22:27:29-08:00">December 6th, 10:27pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-06T22:41:06-08:00">December 6th, 10:41pm</time><address><a>Mike Gianakos</a>Mike Gianakos is a veteran editor and writer for print and digital media. He also created and oversaw video and event production departments for legacy media brands. Mike is a longtime podcaster and even longer suffering NY Jets fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">New Orleans Saints</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The New Orleans Saints fell to 2-10 with Week 13’s loss to the Miami Dolphins. New Orleans was officially eliminated from playoff contention for the fifth straight season. The Saints are in the running for the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/2026-nfl-draft-race-no-1-pick-top-targets-worst-teams">top pick in the 2026 draft</a> and the team will use its final five games to evaluate the roster.</p><p>The Saints must decide if they’re going to stick with Tyler Shough under center next season or select one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 class. Fortunately, New Orleans’ top receiver <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1997504945059512372" rel="noopener">should be available</a> to allow an honest assessment of the rookie passer.</p><p>Chris Olave drew a questionable tag for Sunday’s NFC South showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, Olave is expected to play through a back injury, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.</p><h2><b>Chris Olave to battle through back injury in Week 14</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chris-Olave-2.jpg"><figcaption>Stephen Lew-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>After missing nine games in 2024, Olave has been remarkably durable this season. The fourth-year wideout has played in all 12 games for the Saints. And he leads the team with 73 catches for 781 yards and five touchdowns.</p><p>The production is impressive in a Saints passing attack that ranks 20th in the league. Olave is on pace to notch his third 1,000-yard season. If he continues at this clip with Shough under center, he’d blow away his previous career high of 87 receptions.</p><p>Olave has already tied his career-best mark with five touchdowns. That’s no small feat considering New Orleans boasts the league’s 30th-ranked scoring offense, averaging just 15.2 points per game.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-chris-olave-downgraded-injury-report-dolphins-game-back-spasms">Olave dealt with back spasms</a> that downgraded him on the injury report ahead of Week 13. However, he was able to suit up against the Dolphins. And the team anticipates the former first-round pick will play again in Week 14.</p><p>The talented wideout’s presence will be all the more important with <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-alvin-kamara-ruled-out-buccaneers-game-knee-injury">Alvin Kamara ruled out</a> for Sunday’s game. The Saints’ veteran running back sprained his MCL in Week 12. While Kamara avoided an IR stint he hasn’t returned to practice since suffering the injury.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Chris Olave gets green light for Week 14 vs. Buccaneers

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-alvin-kamara-ruled-out-buccaneers-game-knee-injury');   ga('set', 'title', 'Saints’ Alvin Kamara ruled out for Buccaneers game with knee injury');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Alvin-Kamara.jpg"><figcaption>Bob Donnan-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Saints’ Alvin Kamara ruled out for Buccaneers game with knee injury</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-05T12:06:01-08:00">December 5th, 12:06pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-05T12:06:01-08:00">December 5th, 12:06pm</time><address><a>Dan Fappiano</a>Dan Fappiano is a Connecticut-based sports journalist with over five years of professional experience. After graduating from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism, he has covered every sport from fencing to football in the online and print medium. Dan hopes to see his beloved Bears win a Super Bowl someday.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">New Orleans Saints</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>At 2-10, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/2026-nfl-draft-race-no-1-pick-top-targets-worst-teams">New Orleans Saints are playing for pride and development</a> at this point in the season. But if they were to find any offensive success, running back Alvin Kamara would seemingly be at the center of it.</p><p>In Week 14 though, that won’t be the case. Kamara <a href="https://x.com/nick_underhill/status/1997021428399415777" rel="noopener">has been ruled out</a> with knee and ankle injuries, via Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.</p><p>The running back dealt with an ankle injury all season before picking up an MCL sprain in Week 12 against the Atlanta Falcons. He ended up missing Week 13 and wasn’t able to practice at all leading up to Week 14. The Saints will now be without arguably their best offensive weapon <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/saints-vs-buccaneers-bold-predictions-for-week-14-clash">in an NFC South matchup</a> against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.</p><p>In the 11 games Kamara has appeared in, he has turned 131 carries into 471 yards and a touchdown. Furthermore, he has added 33 receptions for 186 yards. It has been a down year for everyone on the Saints offense, including Kamara. But he is still the same running back with five Pro Bowl nominations under his belt. Signed through the 2026 season, it’s fair to wonder if player and team begin thinking divorce.</p><p>But that is a future concern. For now, New Orleans is simply focused on competing in Week 14. With Kamara out, the Saints will once again turn Devin Neal at running back.</p><p>He earned 14 carries in Kamara’s absence in Week 13, running for 47 yards. Through the entire 2025 season, Neal has gained 108 yards on 31 carries. He’ll have an opportunity to prove himself to the Saints coaching staff in the starting role.</p><p>New Orleans will continue to monitor Kamara’s injuries before determining when he can return to the field.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Saints’ Alvin Kamara ruled out for Buccaneers game with knee injury

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/nfl-stories/saints-vs-buccaneers-bold-predictions-for-week-14-clash');   ga('set', 'title', 'Saints vs. Buccaneers bold predictions for Week 14 clash');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Jonathan-Allen.jpg"></figure><h1>Saints vs. Buccaneers bold predictions for Week 14 clash</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-05T08:44:39-08:00">December 5th, 8:44am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-05T08:44:39-08:00">December 5th, 8:44am</time><address><a>Ben Strauss</a>Ben Strauss is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He is a die-hard NFL fan who cheers for the Detroit Lions. He has previously written fantasy football content for IDPGuys and ImportantNonsense.com.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The 2025 NFL playoffs are just around the corner as we enter the month of December. There are only five weeks left in the regular season, which means that the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/nfl-playoff-picture-bears-first-place-nfc">NFC playoff picture is becoming a lot clearer</a>. As usual, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves in a good position to win the NFC South again this season.</p><p>Tampa is 7-5 headed into Week 14 and has a slim lead over Carolina at 7-6. The Buccaneers and Panthers have yet to play this season, and will have both of their matchups take place in the final three weeks of the season. In all likelihood, those two games will decide the victor in the NFC South.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Saints are in the first steps of a rebuild under <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-new-orleans-hiring-eagles-kellen-moore-head-coach">rookie head coach Kellen Moore</a>.</p><p>Their 2-10 record may not be impressive, but Moore has the Saints playing some good football. In fact, New Orleans has lost four games by just one score this season, which shows that they are getting steamrolled every week.</p><p>But there is a clear talent gap between these two teams, which could lead to an ugly result.</p><p>Can the Saints pull off a huge upset against the Buccaneers this weekend? Or are fans in store for a good old fashioned one-sided blow out?</p><p>Below we will explore three bold predictions ahead of the Week 14 clash between the Saints and Buccaneers.</p><p><i><b>*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV <a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/football/?irad=356362&amp;irmp=492408" rel="noopener sponsored">(free trial)</a>*</b></i></p><h2><b>Baker Mayfield has more total yards than the Saints in Week 14</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Tampa-Bay-Buccaneers-quarterback-Baker-Mayfield-6-looks-to-pass-the-ball-against-the-Los-Angeles-Rams-during-the-second-quarter-at-SoFi-Stadium.jpg"><figcaption>Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Mayfield has not been his usual dangerous self during the 2025 NFL season.</p><p>The veteran quarterback only has 2,600 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and five interceptions with just five games left in the regular season. He exceeded 4,000 passing yards and has 28+ touchdown in each of the past two seasons. But that feels hopelessly out of reach now.</p><p>But just because the yards aren’t there doesn’t mean that Baker is washed.</p><p>Mayfield has showed up big in multiple games this season, most recently <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-baker-mayfield-tampa-bay-truth-failed-patriots">against the Patriots back in November</a>.</p><p>If Mayfield can have a good game against a stout defense like New England, I don’t see why he can’t do it against a directionless New Orleans teams either.</p><p>I’m predicting that Baker will have more total yards than the entire Saints offense in Week 14. That may sound disrespectful, but the Saints have not gone over 300 total yards in a game since <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/panthers-news-insider-slams-pathetic-performance-saints-beating-packers-last-week">their shocking win against the Panthers</a>.</p><p>Keep in mind, Baker could add some yards on the ground too.</p><h2><b>Bucky Irving has over 150 total yards, shreds a vulnerable Saints defense</b></h2><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-bucky-irving-to-join-baker-mayfield-on-field-vs-cardinals">Buccaneers love having Bucky back</a> in the lineup.</p><p>Irving played well in his Week 13 return against the Cardinals. The second-year running back had 17 carries for 61 rushing yards and a touchdown. He also added two receptions for 20 yards.</p><p>Bucky has yet to have a truly monster game in 2025 because of his long injury absence. But this matchup looks like it could be that game.</p><p>New Orleans has <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/stats/team/_/view/defense/stat/rushing/table/rushing/sort/rushingYardsPerGame/dir/desc" rel="noopener">allowed 126.9 rushing yards per game</a> this season, which is slightly above average. But that average doesn’t tell the whole story. In some of their uglier games, that figure is much closer to 200 yards.</p><p>If the Buccaneers take control of this game early, there could be plenty of opportunities for Bucky to get garbage time yards in the second half.</p><p>I’m predicting that Irving will have over 150 total yards against the Saints, including at least one explosive play of 20+ yards.</p><h2><b>Saints lead after first quarter, but he shut out the rest of the game</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Saints-head-coach-Kellen-Moore-vs-Patriots.jpg"><figcaption>Stephen Lew-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Games against division rivals are always difficult to predict. Especially in a chippy division like the NFC South where all of the teams seem to truly hate each other.</p><p>In general, I assume these matchups will often be much closer than originally projected. Even if there’s a large power imbalance between the two, like there is in this game.</p><p>However, there is simply too much on the line for Tampa in this game. Even if they need some time to warm up, they will eventually find their way and do whatever it takes to win.</p><p>I could see the Saints hanging with the Buccaneers, maybe even gaining a lead, for about one quarter of the game. But eventually the Buccaneers will gain control and take care of business.</p><p>I’m predicting that New Orleans will be leading this game heading into the second quarter. Perhaps Tampa takes a bit of time to get heated up, or there are some fluky turnovers that break in New Orleans’ favor.</p><p>Either way, the Buccaneers will shut out the Saints during the rest of the game and roll to a blowout victory.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Saints vs. Buccaneers bold predictions for Week 14 clash

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-cam-jordan-mixed-signals-finish-career-new-orleans');   ga('set', 'title', 'Cam Jordan sends mixed signals about desire to finish career with Saints');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Cam-Jordan-1.jpg"><figcaption>Stephen Lew-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Cam Jordan sends mixed signals about desire to finish career with Saints</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-03T19:53:59-08:00">December 3rd, 7:53pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-03T20:20:40-08:00">December 3rd, 8:20pm</time><address><a>Mike Gianakos</a>Mike Gianakos is a veteran editor and writer for print and digital media. He also created and oversaw video and event production departments for legacy media brands. Mike is a longtime podcaster and even longer suffering NY Jets fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">New Orleans Saints</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The New Orleans Saints fell to 2-10 on the season with Week 13’s loss to the Miami Dolphins. New Orleans has already been eliminated from playoff contention, missing the postseason for the fifth straight year. Still, Cameron Jordan has been a bright spot for the team. He <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-cam-jordan-set-to-break-drew-brees-record">surpassed Drew Brees for the most games played</a> in Saints history this season.</p><p>Jordan has been a fixture on New Orleans’ defensive line since he was drafted 24th overall in 2011. He’s missed just two games in his incredible career. And while he’s set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, it’s difficult to imagine him playing for any other franchise.</p><p>Jordan feels the same way. Sort of. When asked about his NFL future, the eight-time Pro Bowler was <a href="https://x.com/nofnetwork/status/1996355979768893593" rel="noopener">somewhat noncommittal</a>. “In my mind, it’s always playing here or retiring. But, again, maybe it’s not,” Jordan said, per NOF on X. “As you look at the last couple years, maybe you do have to look around.”</p><h2><b>Are Cameron Jordan and the Saints headed toward a split?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Cam-Jordan-2.jpg"><figcaption>Bob Donnan-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The All-Pro pass rusher made it clear he has options. Sort of. “If they don’t want me there’s 31 other– uh, there’s really four other teams,” Jordan joked. “There’s really three other teams… It gets real low,” he added.</p><p>“Time will tell [what] happens. I’m just focused on this week, this game, how best to attack the run game and set us up for an advantageous pass rush situation,” Jordan said.</p><p>The 15th-year veteran is enjoying a throwback season in 2025. Jordan is up to 6.5 sacks in 12 games. He had six total sacks in his last two years (34 games) combined.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-cam-jordan-passes-derrick-thomas-nfl-all-time-sacks-list">Jordan passed Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas</a> on the all-time sack list in Week 13. The former first-round pick recorded two sacks against Miami, moving into a tie for 17th-most since the stat became official in 1982. He’s 26th on the unofficial list, which dates back to 1960.</p><p>Despite <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-cameron-jordan-buccaneers-truth-nfc-south-outlook">high hopes for the Saints this season</a>, Jordan will miss out on the playoffs once again. New Orleans last reached the postseason in 2020, the final year of Drew Brees’ Hall of Fame career.</p><p>Jordan will enter his age-37 season in 2026. And while he’d clearly like to retire as a Saint, it will be interesting to see if Jordan is lining up elsewhere next year. At the very least, he appears open to the idea, which was once unthinkable.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cam Jordan sends mixed signals about desire to finish career with Saints

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/nfl-stories/2026-nfl-draft-race-no-1-pick-top-targets-worst-teams');   ga('set', 'title', '2026 NFL Draft: Race for No. 1 pick, top targets for worst teams');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-NFL-Draft-Race-for-No-1-pick-top-targets-for-worst-teams.jpg"></figure><h1>2026 NFL Draft: Race for No. 1 pick, top targets for worst teams</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-01T11:26:35-08:00">December 1st, 11:26am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-01T11:26:35-08:00">December 1st, 11:26am</time><address><a>Bailey Bassett</a>Bailey Bassett is a sports writer from Denver, Colorado, covering major sports events and athlete backgrounds at ClutchPoints. He has experience covering and writing on high school, collegiate, and professional sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Arizona Cardinals</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>During the 2025 NFL season, there are a lot of teams pushing for a playoff spot, and just as many contending for the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/every-number-one-overall-nfl-draft-pick-ranked">number one pick.</a> That leaves few teams stuck somewhere in the middle, and with so few truly mediocre teams this year, there is quite a large race for the first overall selection in the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/nfl-mock-draft-2026-first-round-predictions-college-season">2026 NFL Draft</a>.</p><p>However, unlike most years, not everybody in the running to pick at 1-1 will need a quarterback. A lot of the league’s bottom dwellers already have the signal caller position figured out, which will make for a unique selection process. When looking at the teams in the running for the number one pick, which players and positions would each team target if they did end up with the first overall choice?</p><h2><b>Tennessee Titans (1-11)</b></h2><p><b>Top targets: </b>Rueben Bain Jr., Jordan Tyson, Carnell Tate, Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa, Jeremiyah Love</p><p>The Tennessee Titans secured the number one overall pick last year. With it, they<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tennessee-titans/titans-news-tennessee-cam-ward-no-1-overall-pick-2025-nfl-draft"> took Cam Ward.</a> The Miami product wasn’t viewed as a once-in-a-generation prospect, but he was expected to be a lot better than he has been during his rookie season. Ward only has seven touchdown passes through 12 games.</p><p>Even so, Ward has a ways to go before <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tennessee-titans/cam-ward-pace-draft-bust-titans-rookie-stacks-up-other-no-1-picks">he could be considered a bust</a> or before the Titans would consider replacing him. His struggles can largely be attributed to a lack of help this season, so landing the first overall selection again could go a long way in bringing in talent that can help Ward take the next step.</p><p>The Titans have so many holes that they very well could look to flip the first pick to a quarterback-needy team. If they stay put, though, Rueben Bain Jr. is considered by many to be the best player available. Picking him first overall would make for back-to-back years with the Titans taking a Miami player with the number one pick. Of course, though, Bain is an edge rusher, so he wouldn’t necessarily directly help Ward out.</p><p>Offensive line and receiver are other dire needs in Tennessee. Pick one would be a little rich for any prospects at those positions, but perhaps the Titans could shock the world by picking Jordan Tyson, Carnell Tate, or Spencer Fano. Another Miami player who could go near the top of the draft is Francis Mauigoa, and he certainly helped Ward stay upright during their time together with the Hurricanes. Ward has been sacked a <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardCa00.htm" rel="noopener">league-leading 48</a> times during his rookie campaign.</p><h2><b>Cleveland Browns (3-9)</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Indiana-vs-Purdue-Fernando-Mendoza.jpg"><figcaption>Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p><b>Top targets: </b>Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore, Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa</p><p>The Cleveland Browns will be in an interesting spot if they land the first overall pick. They’ve had <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/cleveland-browns/shedeur-sanders-42nd-browns-starting-qb-since-1999">42 different starting quarterbacks</a> since 1999, including three this year. Both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders were drafted in 2024 with the hope that one of them can become the franchise signal-caller, but neither of them has shown enough to prevent the Browns from drafting a quarterback if they think they can get a great one.</p><p>Fernando Mendoza is considered the top QB option by most, although some have Dante Moore atop their big boards. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/clutchpoints-2025-week-14-college-football-heisman-trophy-power-rankings">Mendoza seems well on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy</a> for Indiana, and Moore has a super high NFL ceiling, which has been showcased with Oregon.</p><p>Sanders became the first Browns’ quarterback to win his debut <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/shedeur-sanders-news-browns-qb-first-nfl-start/" rel="noopener">since 1995</a>, but he followed that up with a loss. He will again <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/cleveland-browns/browns-news-kevin-stefanski-confirms-shedeur-sanders-week-14-starting-status-titans">start in Week 14</a>, and if he ends up proving himself to the point where the Browns don’t want to draft yet another gunslinger, then offensive line will be priority number one. Whoever is under center will need blockers who can help keep them upright, as Cleveland’s offensive line has been a mess this year. Fano and Mauigoa are the top pass blockers in the draft.</p><h2><b>Las Vegas Raiders (2-10)</b></h2><p><b>Top targets: </b>Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore, LaNorris Sellers, Rueben Bain Jr., Jordan Tyson, Peter Woods</p><p>The Las Vegas Raiders are another team where it is unclear if they will run it back with the same quarterback or if they will cut their losses and find their next signal caller sooner rather than later. The team had high expectations for Geno Smith, but he has been disastrous with the team.</p><p>That means that Mendoza and Moore could be in the mix for Las Vegas. However, they are one team that could consider drafting LaNorris Sellers, too. The South Carolina product isn’t as polished as the aforementioned quarterbacks, but he has a sky-high ceiling because of his physical gifts and his ability to run the football.</p><p>The Raiders could convince themselves that taking the raw quarterback could be worth it because they still have Smith under contract for a couple more years, so Sellers could learn under the veteran until he is ready to take over. The Raiders have some nice weapons, including Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty, but their<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/ranking-all-32-nfl-teams-receiving-corps-for-2025-season"> receiving corps is one of the worst in the NFL</a>, especially after the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/jacksonville-jaguars/jakobi-meyers-trade-grades-for-jaguars-raiders">Jakobi Meyers trade</a>. That makes Tyson a potential target for the Raiders, too.</p><p>Bain and Peter Woods could be options for Las Vegas with the first overall pick as well. Bain would form a nasty pass-rushing partnership with Maxx Crosby, and the team has needed defensive interior help since <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-shockingly-releases-110-million-star-on-defense">Christian Wilkins was let go</a> in a weird turn of events.</p><h2><b>New York Jets (3-9)</b></h2><p><b>Top targets: </b>Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore, LaNorris Sellers, Ty Simpson</p><p>While the Raiders and Browns may or may not draft a quarterback in 2026, there is no doubt that the New York Jets will be targeting a signal-caller. The Justin Fields experiment was a nightmare. Although he is an <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/greatest-rushing-quarterbacks-nfl-history-ranked">elite rushing quarterback</a>, it is clear that his passing ability isn’t on par with that of an NFL starter.</p><p>If the Jets are picking atop the 2026 NFL Draft, there is no question that they will be choosing their pick of the litter at the quarterback position. In addition to Mendoza, Moore, and Sellers, Ty Simpson is considered a first-round prospect. The Jets will surely exhaust all resources to ensure they get the right guy. Although Simpson doesn’t have the ceiling of his draft class peers, there is a path to the Jets falling in love with him. The Alabama product is the first or second most NFL-ready quarterback this year.</p><h2><b>New York Giants (2-10)</b></h2><p><b>Top targets: </b>Jeremiyah Love, Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs, Peter Woods</p><p>The New York Giants had quite the 2025 NFL Draft. They selected arguably the best defensive player in Abdul Carter, which gives them one of the best edge rushing groups in the NFL for years to come. They also selected their quarterback of the future, Jaxson Dart, who took over the reins quicker than most anticipated.</p><p>The team could get another premier pick in 2026. If they end up with the number one selection, it seems likely that the defense could be the focus area. Off-ball linebackers, safeties, and defensive linemen are rarely picked first overall, but Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs, and Peter Woods could all be in the running.</p><p>The fact that those positions aren’t usually considered premier enough to warrant drafting a player first overall means that the Giants could end up as a trade-down team. Jeremiyah Love could be a sneaky option, too. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-york-giants/giants-news-cam-skattebo-suffered-2-other-injuries-besides-dislocated-ankle">Cam Skattebo impressed as a rookie before suffering a gruesome lower-body injury</a>, but the Giants have to be concerned about how Skattebo’s bruising style will work after returning from such an injury. The team took Saquon Barkley high in the 2018 NFL Draft, so perhaps Love could be on their radar in 2026.</p><h2><b>Washington Commanders (3-9)</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Arvell-Reese-Ohio-State-Michigan.jpg"><figcaption>Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p><b>Top targets: </b>Rueben Bain Jr., Jeremiyah Love, Arvell Reese</p><p>Like the Giants, the Washington Commanders recently invested premier draft capital in a quarterback. While injuries have led to a disappointing season, it is clear that Jayden Daniels is the answer. The former Heisman winner won the Rookie of the Year award and led the Commanders to the playoffs last season. He is both an elite rushing quarterback and has great accuracy, so the Commanders won’t be looking to replace him.</p><p>The team’s biggest weaknesses come at the edge and cornerback spots. There isn’t a cornerback worth taking with pick one, but luckily, Bain is considered the best pass rusher and overall prospect by many in this draft. The Commanders also could use a succession plan for Bobby Wagner, which means Reese could be in play.</p><h2><b>New Orleans Saints (2-10)</b></h2><p><b>Top targets: </b>Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore, Jeremiyah Love, Jordan Tyson, Rueben Bain Jr.</p><p>The New Orleans Saints have holes all over their roster, so they could go in a number of directions in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team drafted Tyler Shough in the second round of last year’s draft, but it is unclear how much they believe in his ability to become a star. So far, the results have been underwhelming.</p><p>Teams don’t have the chance to draft first overall every day, so if the Saints ended up in that position, they’d have to consider one of the top quarterbacks, despite the presence of Shough on the roster on a rookie contract. If the team does believe in Shough enough to pass on the QBS, then Love, Tyson, and Bain are the likely top candidates.</p><p>Alvin Kamara doesn’t have much time left producing at a high level, and Love could bring in the speed and pass-catching ability that has made Kamara so special.</p><h2><b>Arizona Cardinals (3-9)</b></h2><p><b>Top targets: </b>Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore, LaNorris Sellers, Ty Simpson, Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa, Peter Woods</p><p>The Arizona Cardinals seem poised to move on from Kyler Murray, the player they took at the top of the draft the last time that they owned pick number one. Murray’s soft benching means that quarterback will become a huge need in the offseason. There are a lot of different archetypes at the quarterback position in this draft.</p><p>Mendoza is the most well-rounded, Simpson is a play-now type, Sellers has elite physical traits, and Moore has a killer arm. The Cardinals could go any which way when it comes to drafting another quarterback. The trenches could also use plenty of work in Arizona, on both sides of the football.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2026 NFL Draft: Race for No. 1 pick, top targets for worst teams

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-cam-jordan-passes-derrick-thomas-nfl-all-time-sacks-list');   ga('set', 'title', 'Cam Jordan passes Derrick Thomas on NFL’s all-time sacks list');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Saints-Cameron-Jordan.jpg"><figcaption>© Stephen Lew-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Cam Jordan passes Derrick Thomas on NFL’s all-time sacks list</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-11-30T11:01:26-08:00">November 30th, 11:01am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-11-30T11:01:43-08:00">November 30th, 11:01am</time><address><a>Benjamin Adducchio</a>Benjamin Adducchio is a journalist and writer with more than a decade of experience in covering sports news. Ben is a passionate sports fan who loves college football, basketball, and the New York Yankees.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">New Orleans Saints</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>New Orleans Saints defensive star <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/cam-jordan-reveals-2025-saints-decision-in-wolf-of-wall-street-style">Cameron Jordan has had many memorable days</a> in his NFL career. On Sunday, Jordan had yet another as he passed Derrick Thomas on the NFL’s all-time sacks list.</p><p>Jordan’s <a href="https://x.com/SaintsPR/status/1995193729284723087" rel="noopener">latest stop</a> came in a game against the Miami Dolphins.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">CAM JORDAN SACK 💪</p><p>📺: FOX <a href="https://t.co/JXVbbhVKm4">pic.twitter.com/JXVbbhVKm4</a></p><p>— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saints/status/1995192994316591579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>“With that sack, Cam Jordan now has 127 career takedowns, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Fame LB Derrick Thomas (Class of 2009) for 18th all-time in NFL history. He now needs one to tie former Saints (Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker) Rickey Jackson (Class of 2010) for 17th all-time,” the Saints posted to X, formerly Twitter.</p><p>The <a href="https://x.com/MikeTriplett/status/1995199109444337715" rel="noopener">good times continued to roll</a> for Jordan.</p><p>“Wow. Two sacks for Cam Jordan in the first quarter today. Up to 128 for his career — officially tied with Rickey Jackson (though sacks weren’t an official stat in Jackson’s rookie year),” Saints reporter Mike Triplett posted to X.</p><p>The Saints are playing the Dolphins at time of writing. New Orleans is struggling through a 2-9 campaign.</p><h2><b>Cam Jordan continues to lead the Saints defense</b></h2><p>Jordan has put together an outstanding career for New Orleans. A former first round NFL Draft pick in 2011, Jordan has played his entire career with the Saints.</p><p>The defensive end is an 8-time Pro Bowler. He also was a member of the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team. The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-cameron-jordan-buccaneers-truth-nfc-south-outlook">Saints are leaning on Jordan to help the team</a> as they transition this season to a new head coach.</p><p>Kellen Moore is now the head coach for the New Orleans franchise. The Saints haven’t had much success with Moore, but are hoping a strong surge at the end of the campaign leads to some momentum for 2026.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cam Jordan passes Derrick Thomas on NFL’s all-time sacks list

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-chris-olave-gets-encouraging-update-before-week-13');   ga('set', 'title', 'Saints’ Chris Olave gets encouraging update before Week 13');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chris-Olave-gets-encouraging-update-before-Week-13.jpg"><figcaption>Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Saints’ Chris Olave gets encouraging update before Week 13</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-11-29T20:54:11-08:00">November 29th, 8:54pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-11-29T20:54:11-08:00">November 29th, 8:54pm</time><address><a>Allan Binoy</a>Allan Binoy is a sports journalist who covers the NFL, NCAA Football, and NBA for ClutchPoints. With a deep passion for storytelling and analysis, he brings fans closer to the action by breaking down the biggest moments and storylines across the world of sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">New Orleans Saints</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The New Orleans Saints finally got a little good news on the injury front heading into Week 13, and it starts with Chris Olave’s back. Saints wide receiver Olave is officially questionable for Sunday’s road matchup against the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-chris-olave-downgraded-injury-report-dolphins-game-back-spasms">Miami Dolphins because of back spasms,</a> but the tone around the building feels way more optimistic than that label suggests.</p><p>NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Olave <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1994983475443896414?s=20" rel="noopener">returned to practice</a> Friday and that there is “some optimism” he will play. Olave left Wednesday’s practice early when the back issue flared up, and he did not practice Thursday, which set off some alarms for a Saints offense already <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-alvin-kamara-misses-practice-dolphins-game-multiple-injuries">missing running back Alvin Kamara</a>, who has been ruled out with a knee injury.  </p><p>The Saints need every bit of juice they can get from their No. 1 receiver. Through 11 games, Olave has 69 catches for 734 yards and four touchdowns, leading the team in every major receiving category via ESPN. He was one of the few bright spots in last week’s 24-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, catching nine passes for 70 yards as New Orleans’ offense stalled again and fell to 2-9.  </p><p>That production is exactly why the Saints can’t afford to be without him in Miami. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/saints-vs-dolphins-bold-predictions-week-13-clash">The Dolphins bring a dangerous offense</a> and a defense that likes to heat up quarterbacks, and New Orleans has not scored more than 20 points in a game since Week 5.  </p><p>For now, the plan seems clear, manage Chris Olave’s workload, keep the back spasms under control, and see how he responds on game day. If he is active, expect the Saints to lean heavily on him as a security blanket for young quarterback Tyler Shough in a game they badly need to stabilize a spiraling season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2025 SEASON STATS
RUSHING YDS	RECEPTIONS	RECEIVING YDS	TOTAL TDS	POSITION RANK
11	0	0	0	-

2025 SEASON STATS
RUSHING YDS	RECEPTIONS	RECEIVING YDS	TOTAL TDS	POSITION RANK
11	0	0	0	-

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