Game story
In Week 1 of the 2018 NFL season on 2018-09-09, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took care of business against the New Orleans Saints, pulling away with a 48–40 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 31 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) paced the passing game, with +19.04 total EPA, and +13.1% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, R. Fitzpatrick (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +32.29 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-16.3% win probability) landed in the second quarter when New Orleans Saints changed the game: (4:38) 25-M.Gillislee left end to NO 34 for 2 yards (28-V.Hargreaves). FUMBLES (28-V.Hargreaves), RECOVERED by TB-21-J.Evans at NO 34. 21-J.Evans for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 14 | 17 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 48 |
| New Orleans Saints | 10 | 14 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 40 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 R. Fitzpatrick · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +32.29 total EPA · 38 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play
- 2 D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +19.04 total EPA · 49 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
- 3 M. Evans · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +13.97 total EPA · 7 snaps · +2.00 EPA/play
- 4 D. Jackson · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +12.44 total EPA · 5 snaps · +2.49 EPA/play
- 5 B. Watson · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +5.12 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.28 EPA/play
- 6 M. Thomas · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +5.07 total EPA · 17 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
- 7 T. Ginn · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +4.93 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.70 EPA/play
- 8 O. Howard · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.65 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.33 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
R. Fitzpatrick — TB · Passing
R. Fitzpatrick posted the highest total EPA (+32.29) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers's efficiency. Across 38 counted snaps, they averaged +0.85 EPA per play.
The signature play (-8.65 EPA) came from New Orleans Saints: (4:38) 25-M.Gillislee left end to NO 34 for 2 yards (28-V.Hargreaves). FUMBLES (28-V.Hargreaves), RECOVERED by TB-21-J.Evans at NO 34. 21-J.Evans for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New Orleans Saints — A. Kamara
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — D. Jackson (R. Fitzpatrick pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Fitzpatrick
- New Orleans Saints — T. Ginn (D. Brees pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Godwin (R. Fitzpatrick pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Gillislee
- New Orleans Saints — M. Thomas (D. Brees pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Evans (R. Fitzpatrick pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — D. Jackson (R. Fitzpatrick pass)
- New Orleans Saints — A. Kamara
- New Orleans Saints — A. Kamara (D. Brees pass)
Field goals
- New Orleans Saints — W. Lutz
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Catanzaro
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Catanzaro
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 14–10. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 5 (Q1 56:45); New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q1 56:41) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 58 (Q1 54:51) — (9:51) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass deep right to 11-D.Jackson for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 38, YAC 20; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q1 54:41) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the TB 17 (Q1 49:30) — (4:30) 3-W.Lutz 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 3 (Q1 47:03) — (2:03) (Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick right end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q1 46:58) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger..
The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 17–14. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 28 (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 19-T.Ginn for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 28, YAC 0; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q2 44:54) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the NO 15 (Q2 41:17) — (11:17) 7-C.Catanzaro 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 9 (Q2 34:47) — (4:47) (Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass short right to 12-C.Godwin for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 9, YAC 0; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q2 34:42) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the TB 68 (Q2 34:38); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q2 34:27) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 6 (Q2 30:59) — (:59) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 13-M.Thomas for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 6, YAC 0; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q2 30:55) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead..
The third quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 10–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the NO 18 (Q3 26:29) — (11:29) 7-C.Catanzaro 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 50 (Q3 18:06) — (3:06) (Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 36, YAC 14; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q3 17:58) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger..
The fourth quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 16–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 36 (Q4 12:24); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q4 12:19) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q4 8:57) — (8:57) 41-A.Kamara left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints registered a safety from the TB 2 (Q4 8:54) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 41-A.Kamara rushes right guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 7 (Q4 3:35); New Orleans Saints registered a safety from the TB 2 (Q4 3:31) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 9-D.Brees pass to 19-T.Ginn is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 34:38) — (4:38) 25-M.Gillislee left end to NO 34 for 2 yards (28-V.Hargreaves). FUMBLES (28-V.Hargreaves), RECOVERED by TB-21-J.Evans at NO 34. 21-J.Evans for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 43:02) — (13:02) (Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass deep right to 80-O.Howard pushed ob at NO 18 for 35 yards (24-V.Bell). Pass 19, YAC 16
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 54:51) — (9:51) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass deep right to 11-D.Jackson for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 38, YAC 20
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 18:06) — (3:06) (Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 36, YAC 14
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 34:47) — (4:47) (Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass short right to 12-C.Godwin for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 9, YAC 0
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 34:38) — (4:38) 25-M.Gillislee left end to NO 34 for 2 yards (28-V.Hargreaves). FUMBLES (28-V.Hargreaves), RECOVERED by TB-21-J.Evans at NO 34. 21-J.Evans for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 18:06) — (3:06) (Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 36, YAC 14
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 54:51) — (9:51) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass deep right to 11-D.Jackson for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 38, YAC 20
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 15:39) — (:39) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 13-M.Thomas to TB 37 for 19 yards (58-K.Alexander). FUMBLES (58-K.Alexander), RECOVERED by TB-29-R.Smith at TB 32. 29-R.Smith to TB 35 for 3 yards (60-M.
Quarterback report card
D.Brees led all passers in efficiency for New Orleans Saints, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- D.Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 49 dropbacks · 75.5% completion · +13.1% CPOE · +0.39 EPA/play · +19.04 total EPA
- R.Fitzpatrick (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 38 dropbacks · 55.3% completion · +12.8% CPOE · +0.85 EPA/play · +32.29 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | New Orleans Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.297 | +0.136 |
| Offensive success rate | 47.1% | 57.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.850 | +0.389 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.141 | -0.471 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.136 | -0.297 |
| Defensive success rate | 42.2% | 52.9% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Tampa Bay Buccaneers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.30 vs +0.14), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- New Orleans Saints: 11 drives, +11.29 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 12 drives, +25.26 total EPA, 7 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.
- R. Fitzpatrick (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- D. Brees (NO) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- R. Fitzpatrick (TB) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 56:45 · TB 5 · Score 0-6
(11:45) At quarterback for the Saints is #7 T.Hill. #9 D.Brees split out as a wide receiver. (Shotgun) 41-A.Kamara left tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 56:41 · TB 15 · Score 0-7
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 54:51 · NO 58 · Score 6-7
(9:51) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass deep right to 11-D.Jackson for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 38, YAC 20 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 54:41 · NO 15 · Score 7-7
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q1 49:30 · TB 17 · Score 7-10
(4:30) 3-W.Lutz 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 47:03 · NO 3 · Score 13-10
(2:03) (Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick right end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 46:58 · NO 15 · Score 14-10
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 45:00 · TB 28 · Score 14-16
(15:00) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 19-T.Ginn for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 28, YAC 0 - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 44:54 · TB 15 · Score 14-17
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q2 41:17 · NO 15 · Score 17-17
(11:17) 7-C.Catanzaro 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 34:47 · NO 9 · Score 23-17
(4:47) (Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass short right to 12-C.Godwin for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 9, YAC 0 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 34:42 · NO 15 · Score 24-17
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 34:38 · TB 68 · Score 30-17
(4:38) 25-M.Gillislee left end to NO 34 for 2 yards (28-V.Hargreaves). FUMBLES (28-V.Hargreaves), RECOVERED by TB-21-J.Evans at NO 34. 21-J.Evans for 34 yards, - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 34:27 · NO 15 · Score 31-17
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 30:59 · TB 6 · Score 31-23
(:59) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 13-M.Thomas for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 6, YAC 0 - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 30:55 · TB 15 · Score 31-24
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-6-T.Morstead. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q3 26:29 · NO 18 · Score 34-24
(11:29) 7-C.Catanzaro 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 18:06 · NO 50 · Score 40-24
(3:06) (Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 36, YAC 14 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 17:58 · NO 15 · Score 41-24
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 12:24 · NO 36 · Score 47-24
(12:24) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass deep middle to 11-D.Jackson for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on NO-93-D.Onyemata, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards, enforced between - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 12:19 · NO 15 · Score 48-24
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 8:57 · TB 1 · Score 48-30
(8:57) 41-A.Kamara left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints Safety (+2) — Q4 8:54 · TB 2 · Score 48-32
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 41-A.Kamara rushes right guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 3:35 · TB 7 · Score 48-38
(3:35) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 41-A.Kamara for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on TB-90-J.Pierre-Paul, Defensive Offside, declined. Pass 4, YAC 3 - New Orleans Saints Safety (+2) — Q4 3:31 · TB 2 · Score 48-40
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 9-D.Brees pass to 19-T.Ginn is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints 48-40 in Week 1, 2018 on 2018-09-09.
What was the final score of Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
The final score was Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48, New Orleans Saints 40 (TB 48-40 NO) in Week 1, 2018 on 2018-09-09.
What was the score by quarter in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
Q1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14, New Orleans Saints 10; Q2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17, New Orleans Saints 14; Q3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10, New Orleans Saints 0; Q4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7, New Orleans Saints 16; Final: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48, New Orleans Saints 40.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
New Orleans Saints touchdown — A. Kamara (Q1 56:45) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — D. Jackson (R. Fitzpatrick pass) (Q1 54:51) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — R. Fitzpatrick (Q1 47:03) New Orleans Saints touchdown — T. Ginn (D. Brees pass) (Q2 45:00) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Godwin (R. Fitzpatrick pass) (Q2 34:47) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — M. Gillislee (Q2 34:38) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Thomas (D. Brees pass) (Q2 30:59) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — M. Evans (R. Fitzpatrick pass) (Q3 18:06) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — D. Jackson (R. Fitzpatrick pass) (Q4 12:24) New Orleans Saints touchdown — A. Kamara (Q4 8:57) New Orleans Saints touchdown — A. Kamara (D. Brees pass) (Q4 3:35) New Orleans Saints field goal — W. Lutz (Q1 49:30, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — C. Catanzaro (Q2 41:17, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — C. Catanzaro (Q3 26:29, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 75.5% completion, +13.1% CPOE, +0.39 EPA per dropback, +19.04 total passing EPA. R. Fitzpatrick (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 55.3% completion, +12.8% CPOE, +0.85 EPA per dropback, +32.29 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
R. Fitzpatrick (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led the game in total EPA with +32.29 on passing plays. across 38 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-8.65 EPA): (4:38) 25-M.Gillislee left end to NO 34 for 2 yards (28-V.Hargreaves). FUMBLES (28-V.Hargreaves), RECOVERED by TB-21-J.Evans at NO 34. 21-J.Evans for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -16.3%.
Season records after this game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Now 1-0 W
New Orleans Saints
Now 0-1 L
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