Quick answer
- Winner
- New Orleans Saints
- Final score
- New Orleans Saints 28–14 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Halftime
- New Orleans Saints 3–14 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Michael Thomas
- Top passer
- Jameis Winston
- Biggest EPA play
- (14:22) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees sacked at NO 24 for -6 yards (94-C.Nassib). FUMBLES (94-C.Nass…
- Game date
- 2018-12-09
Game summary
The New Orleans Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28–14 on 2018-12-09, overcoming Tampa Bay Buccaneers's 14–3 halftime lead. Michael Thomas posted a game-high +6.68 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 17 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New Orleans Saints | 0 | 3 | 8 | 17 | 0 | 28 |
 Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
NONew Orleans Saints(12:24) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short right to 84-C.Brate for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on NO-24-V.Bell, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.
5-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
(7:09) 3-W.Lutz 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(:29) 3-J.Winston pass short middle to 84-C.Brate for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN [98-S.Rankins].
5-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
(4:48) 65-M.Ola reported in as eligible. 9-D.Brees pass short left to 42-Z.Line for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
(Run formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 41-A.Kamara rushes left end. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
(11:48) 65-M.Ola reported in as eligible. 9-D.Brees up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(7:33) 22-M.Ingram up the middle for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
(1:15) 3-W.Lutz 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
TBTampa Bay BuccaneersFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q1 12:24TD CBC. BratePoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 11
- Score
- 0-6
(12:24) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short right to 84-C.Brate for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on NO-24-V.Bell, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q1 12:19XP Cairo SantosPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 15
- Score
- 0-7
5-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 7:09FG Wil LutzPoints+3
- Yard line
- TB 12
- Score
- 3-7
(7:09) 3-W.Lutz 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q2 0:29TD CBC. BratePoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 1
- Score
- 3-13
(:29) 3-J.Winston pass short middle to 84-C.Brate for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN [98-S.Rankins].
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q2 0:26XP Cairo SantosPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 15
- Score
- 3-14
5-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 4:48TD ZLZ. LinePoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 1
- Score
- 9-14
(4:48) 65-M.Ola reported in as eligible. 9-D.Brees pass short left to 42-Z.Line for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q3 4:43Safety Alvin KamaraPoints+2
- Yard line
- TB 2
- Score
- 11-14
(Run formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 41-A.Kamara rushes left end. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 11:48TD DBD. BreesPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 1
- Score
- 17-14
(11:48) 65-M.Ola reported in as eligible. 9-D.Brees up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 11:46XP Wil LutzPoints+1
- Yard line
- TB 15
- Score
- 18-14
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 7:33TD Points+6
- Yard line
- TB 17
- Score
- 24-14
(7:33) 22-M.Ingram up the middle for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 7:26XP Wil LutzPoints+1
- Yard line
- TB 15
- Score
- 25-14
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 1:15FG Wil LutzPoints+3
- Yard line
- TB 18
- Score
- 28-14
(1:15) 3-W.Lutz 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1Michael Thomas · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +6.68 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 2
Mitchell Evans · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.67 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.78 EPA/play - 3C. Brate · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.11 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.03 EPA/play
- 4Alvin Kamara · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +2.58 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.43 EPA/play
- 5D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Rushing · +2.53 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.84 EPA/play
- 6
Jameis Winston · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +2.28 total EPA · 51 snaps · +0.04 EPA/play - 7
Blake Watson · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.64 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.55 EPA/play - 8
Tyquan Lewis · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.45 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.45 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Michael Thomas — NO · Receiving
Michael Thomas posted the highest total EPA (+6.68) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New Orleans Saints. Across 13 counted snaps, they averaged +0.51 EPA per play.
Biggest single play (-5.26 EPA): D. Brees — (14:22) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees sacked at NO 24 for -6 yards (94-C.Nassib). FUMBLES (94-C.Nassib), RECOVERED by TB-90-J.Pierre-Paul at NO 27.
Quarterback report card
Jameis Winston led all passers in efficiency for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 51 dropbacks · 35.3% completion · -11.1% CPOE · +0.04 EPA/play · +2.28 total EPA
- D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 32 dropbacks · 75.0% completion · +11.1% CPOE · +0.04 EPA/play · +1.30 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | New Orleans Saints | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.021 | -0.199 |
| Offensive success rate | 48.1% | 31.1% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.041 | +0.045 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.032 | -0.306 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.199 | -0.021 |
| Defensive success rate | 68.9% | 51.9% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, New Orleans Saints generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.02 vs -0.20), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- New Orleans Saints: +0.02 EPA/play (55th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -0.20 EPA/play (12th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
- New Orleans Saints: 12 drives, +1.63 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 11 drives, -17.90 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Brate (Jameis Winston pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Brate (Jameis Winston pass)
- New Orleans Saints — Z. Line (D. Brees pass)
- New Orleans Saints — D. Brees
- New Orleans Saints — Melvin Ingram
Field goals
- New Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz
- New Orleans Saints — Wil Lutz
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 7–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 11 (Q1 12:24); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q1 12:19) — 5-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger..
The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 7–3. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the TB 12 (Q2 7:09) — (7:09) 3-W.Lutz 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 1 (Q2 0:29) — (:29) 3-J.Winston pass short middle to 84-C.Brate for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN [98-S.Rankins].; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q2 0:26) — 5-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger..
The third quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 8–0. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q3 4:48) — (4:48) 65-M.Ola reported in as eligible. 9-D.Brees pass short left to 42-Z.Line for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints registered a safety from the TB 2 (Q3 4:43) — (Run formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 41-A.Kamara rushes left end. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
The fourth quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 17–0. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q4 11:48) — (11:48) 65-M.Ola reported in as eligible. 9-D.Brees up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q4 11:46) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 17 (Q4 7:33) — (7:33) 22-M.Ingram up the middle for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q4 7:26) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the TB 18 (Q4 1:15) — (1:15) 3-W.Lutz 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 2:28) — (2:28) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right intended for 22-M.Ingram INTERCEPTED by 53-A.Taylor [97-V.Curry] at NO 46. 53-A.Taylor to NO 39 for 7 yards (60-M.Unger).
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 11:48) — (11:48) 65-M.Ola reported in as eligible. 9-D.Brees up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 14:56) — (14:56) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep right to 13-M.Evans pushed ob at NO 39 for 36 yards (23-M.Lattimore).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 6:22) — (6:22) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short left to 12-C.Godwin to TB 38 for 13 yards (23-M.Lattimore) [92-M.Davenport]. FUMBLES (23-M.Lattimore), recovered by TB-84-C.Brate at TB 43. 84-C.Brate to TB 43
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 7:33) — (7:33) 22-M.Ingram up the middle for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 14:22) — (14:22) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees sacked at NO 24 for -6 yards (94-C.Nassib). FUMBLES (94-C.Nassib), RECOVERED by TB-90-J.Pierre-Paul at NO 27.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 2:28) — (2:28) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right intended for 22-M.Ingram INTERCEPTED by 53-A.Taylor [97-V.Curry] at NO 46. 53-A.Taylor to NO 39 for 7 yards (60-M.Unger).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 7:23) — (7:23) 9-B.Anger punt is BLOCKED by 7-T.Hill, Center-89-G.Sanborn, RECOVERED by NO-27-D.Washington at TB 30. 27-D.Washington to TB 30 for no gain (52-C.Lynch).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 12:54) — (12:54) 5-C.Santos 40 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 12:24 · NO 11 · Score 0-6
(12:24) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short right to 84-C.Brate for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on NO-24-V.Bell, Defensive Pass Interference, declined. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 12:19 · NO 15 · Score 0-7
5-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 7:09 · TB 12 · Score 3-7
(7:09) 3-W.Lutz 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 0:29 · NO 1 · Score 3-13
(:29) 3-J.Winston pass short middle to 84-C.Brate for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN [98-S.Rankins]. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 0:26 · NO 15 · Score 3-14
5-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 4:48 · TB 1 · Score 9-14
(4:48) 65-M.Ola reported in as eligible. 9-D.Brees pass short left to 42-Z.Line for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints Safety (+2) — Q3 4:43 · TB 2 · Score 11-14
(Run formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 41-A.Kamara rushes left end. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 11:48 · TB 1 · Score 17-14
(11:48) 65-M.Ola reported in as eligible. 9-D.Brees up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 11:46 · TB 15 · Score 18-14
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 7:33 · TB 17 · Score 24-14
(7:33) 22-M.Ingram up the middle for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 7:26 · TB 15 · Score 25-14
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q4 1:15 · TB 18 · Score 28-14
(1:15) 3-W.Lutz 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- New Orleans Saints earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- Michael Thomas (New Orleans Saints) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Jameis Winston (TB) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
- D. Brees (NO) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers on 2018-12-09?
The New Orleans Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-14 in Week 14, 2018.
What was the score by quarter in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Q1: New Orleans Saints 0, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q2: New Orleans Saints 3, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q3: New Orleans Saints 8, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Q4: New Orleans Saints 17, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Final: New Orleans Saints 28, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Brate (J. Winston pass) (Q1 12:24) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Brate (J. Winston pass) (Q2 0:29) New Orleans Saints touchdown — Z. Line (D. Brees pass) (Q3 4:48) New Orleans Saints touchdown — D. Brees (Q4 11:48) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Ingram (Q4 7:33) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q2 7:09, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q4 1:15, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 35.3% completion, -11.1% CPOE, +0.04 EPA per dropback, +2.28 total passing EPA. D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 75.0% completion, +11.1% CPOE, +0.04 EPA per dropback, +1.30 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Michael Thomas (New Orleans Saints) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +6.68 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 13 snaps.
Season records after this game
New Orleans Saints
Entered 10-2 Now 11-2 W
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 5-7 Now 5-8 L
Fantasy · fantasyhq.co
