Game story
In Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season on 2025-01-05, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took care of business against the New Orleans Saints, pulling away with a 27–19 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 16 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
S. Rattler (New Orleans Saints) paced the passing game, with +1.57 total EPA, and +1.9% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, B. Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +15.58 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+26.8% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Tampa Bay Buccaneers changed the game: (10:18) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right to 15-J.McMillan for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints | 3 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 3 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 27 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 B. Mayfield · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +15.58 total EPA · 40 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
- 2 J. Johnson · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +6.55 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.94 EPA/play
- 3 J. McMillan · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +6.37 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.06 EPA/play
- 4 D. Culp · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.58 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.29 EPA/play
- 5 P. Durham · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +3.14 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.57 EPA/play
- 6 C. Edwards-Helaire · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +2.99 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.99 EPA/play
- 7 J. Mims · New Orleans Saints · Rushing · +1.63 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.81 EPA/play
- 8 S. Rattler · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +1.57 total EPA · 48 snaps · +0.03 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
B. Mayfield — TB · Passing
B. Mayfield posted the highest total EPA (+15.58) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers's efficiency. Across 40 counted snaps, they averaged +0.39 EPA per play.
The signature play (+4.49 EPA) came from Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (10:49) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right to 15-J.McMillan to NO 9 for 33 yards (0-U.Amadi). PENALTY on TB-15-J.McMillan, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced at NO 9.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New Orleans Saints — D. Pettis (S. Rattler pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — P. Durham (B. Mayfield pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — J. McMillan (B. Mayfield pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — B. Irving
Field goals
- New Orleans Saints — B. Grupe
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. McLaughlin
- New Orleans Saints — B. Grupe
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. McLaughlin
- New Orleans Saints — B. Grupe
- New Orleans Saints — B. Grupe
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the TB 16 (Q1 54:20) — (9:20) 19-B.Grupe 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-43-M.Hayball.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the NO 34 (Q1 49:56) — (4:56) 4-C.McLaughlin 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Browning..
The second quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 13–3. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the TB 21 (Q2 44:55) — (14:55) 19-B.Grupe 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-43-M.Hayball.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 5 (Q2 36:19) — (6:19) (Shotgun) 18-S.Rattler pass short left to 17-D.Pettis for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q2 36:14) — 19-B.Grupe extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-43-M.Hayball.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the NO 7 (Q2 31:05) — (1:05) 4-C.McLaughlin 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Browning.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the TB 21 (Q2 30:11) — (:11) 19-B.Grupe 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-43-M.Hayball..
The third quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 7–3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 6 (Q3 25:33) — (10:33) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short middle to 87-P.Durham for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q3 25:27) — 4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Browning.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the TB 31 (Q3 20:58) — (5:58) 19-B.Grupe 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-43-M.Hayball..
The fourth quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 14–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 32 (Q4 10:18) — (10:18) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right to 15-J.McMillan for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q4 10:09) — 4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Browning.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 11 (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) (Shotgun) 7-B.Irving right end for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q4 1:51) — 4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Browning..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 10:18) — (10:18) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right to 15-J.McMillan for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 10:49) — (10:49) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right to 15-J.McMillan to NO 9 for 33 yards (0-U.Amadi). PENALTY on TB-15-J.McMillan, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced at NO 9.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 11:34) — (11:34) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield left end to NO 42 for -7 yards (0-U.Amadi).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 4:15) — (4:15) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield scrambles up the middle to TB 40 for 28 yards (0-U.Amadi).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 10:37) — (10:37) 7-B.Irving left tackle to NO 19 for 5 yards (96-C.Granderson). PENALTY on TB-67-L.Goedeke, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at NO 22.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 10:49) — (10:49) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right to 15-J.McMillan to NO 9 for 33 yards (0-U.Amadi). PENALTY on TB-15-J.McMillan, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced at NO 9.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 10:18) — (10:18) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right to 15-J.McMillan for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 22:36) — (7:36) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short middle intended for 13-M.Evans INTERCEPTED by 31-J.Howden (96-C.Granderson) at TB 40. 31-J.Howden to TB 37 for 3 yards (13-M.Evans).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 11:34) — (11:34) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield left end to NO 42 for -7 yards (0-U.Amadi).
Quarterback report card
S.Rattler led all passers in efficiency for New Orleans Saints, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- S.Rattler (New Orleans Saints) · 48 dropbacks · 54.2% completion · +1.9% CPOE · +0.03 EPA/play · +1.57 total EPA
- B.Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 40 dropbacks · 52.5% completion · +2.9% CPOE · +0.39 EPA/play · +15.58 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | New Orleans Saints | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.053 | +0.133 |
| Offensive success rate | 50.6% | 48.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.033 | +0.389 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.050 | -0.163 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.133 | -0.053 |
| Defensive success rate | 51.8% | 49.4% |
By the numbers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.13 vs +0.05), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- New Orleans Saints: 9 drives, +4.42 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10 drives, +11.26 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- B. Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q1 54:20 · TB 16 · Score 3-0
(9:20) 19-B.Grupe 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-43-M.Hayball. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q1 49:56 · NO 34 · Score 3-3
(4:56) 4-C.McLaughlin 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Browning. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 44:55 · TB 21 · Score 6-3
(14:55) 19-B.Grupe 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-43-M.Hayball. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 36:19 · TB 5 · Score 12-3
(6:19) (Shotgun) 18-S.Rattler pass short left to 17-D.Pettis for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 36:14 · TB 15 · Score 13-3
19-B.Grupe extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-43-M.Hayball. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q2 31:05 · NO 7 · Score 13-6
(1:05) 4-C.McLaughlin 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Browning. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 30:11 · TB 21 · Score 16-6
(:11) 19-B.Grupe 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-43-M.Hayball. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 25:33 · NO 6 · Score 16-12
(10:33) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short middle to 87-P.Durham for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 25:27 · NO 15 · Score 16-13
4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Browning. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q3 20:58 · TB 31 · Score 19-13
(5:58) 19-B.Grupe 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-43-M.Hayball. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 10:18 · NO 32 · Score 19-19
(10:18) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right to 15-J.McMillan for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 10:09 · NO 15 · Score 19-20
4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Browning. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 2:00 · NO 11 · Score 19-26
(2:00) (Shotgun) 7-B.Irving right end for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 1:51 · NO 15 · Score 19-27
4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Browning.
Frequently asked questions
Who won New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints 27-19 in Week 18, 2024 on 2025-01-05.
What was the final score of New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The final score was New Orleans Saints 19, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27 (NO 19-27 TB) in Week 18, 2024 on 2025-01-05.
What was the score by quarter in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Q1: New Orleans Saints 3, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3; Q2: New Orleans Saints 13, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3; Q3: New Orleans Saints 3, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q4: New Orleans Saints 0, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14; Final: New Orleans Saints 19, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
New Orleans Saints touchdown — D. Pettis (S. Rattler pass) (Q2 36:19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — P. Durham (B. Mayfield pass) (Q3 25:33) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — J. McMillan (B. Mayfield pass) (Q4 10:18) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — B. Irving (Q4 2:00) New Orleans Saints field goal — B. Grupe (Q1 54:20, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — C. McLaughlin (Q1 49:56, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — B. Grupe (Q2 44:55, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — C. McLaughlin (Q2 31:05, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — B. Grupe (Q2 30:11, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — B. Grupe (Q3 20:58, 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?
S. Rattler (New Orleans Saints), 54.2% completion, +1.9% CPOE, +0.03 EPA per dropback, +1.57 total passing EPA. B. Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 52.5% completion, +2.9% CPOE, +0.39 EPA per dropback, +15.58 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
B. Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led the game in total EPA with +15.58 on passing plays. across 40 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+4.49 EPA): (10:49) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right to 15-J.McMillan to NO 9 for 33 yards (0-U.Amadi). PENALTY on TB-15-J.McMillan, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced at NO 9.. The biggest win-probability swing was +26.8%.
Season records after this game
New Orleans Saints
Entered 5-11 Now 5-12 L
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 9-7 Now 10-7 W
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