How do you see this one playing out? The New Orleans Saints (1-6) are desperate to find their footing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2), who have leapt out to an early lead in the NFC South title race. It’s the first divisional matchup of the season for the Saints. But this Buccaneers team is dealing with a ton of injuries on each side of the ball, and they aren’t as intimidating as their record suggests — banged-up quarterback Baker Mayfield has had to lead a last-minute game-winning drive in four of their five wins. This could be a winnable game for New Orleans. Here are our staff writers’ takes on Week 8’s final score, and some bold predictions:

Saints 23, Buccaneers 19

The New Orleans Saints head back to the Superdome this week for a tough divisional matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quarterback Spencer Rattler will be facing this team for the third time — the only opponent he’s seen multiple times this season — and believe it or not, that could play a major role in this game. With Rattler getting another look at Todd Bowles’ defense, I expect him to rebound in a big way.

That said, I think the key to this one will be the Saints’ pass rush. Chase Young flashed last week, leading the team in pressures against Chicago, while Cam Jordan always seems to rise to the occasion when matched up with Tristan Wirfs. I’m taking the Saints in an upset, putting together an inspired performance against an injury-riddled Buccaneers squad. Bold prediction: Spencer Rattler throws for more than 300 yards for the first time in his career. — Luke Loffredo

Buccaneers 31, Saints 20

New Orleans hits the 20-point mark offensively for only the third time in Spencer Rattler’s 15 games of NFL action, but it’s not enough. Even against an injury-depleted Tampa Bay unit, the Saints just don’t have enough overall talent to match up and compound that again by critical letdowns on both sides of the ball. Bold prediction: Alvin Kamara gains more than 150 scrimmage yards, and a season-best 70-plus in receiving yardage. — Bob Rose

Buccaneers 24, Saints 14

Despite the Tampa Bay Buccaneers having about a baker’s dozen worth of injuries this week, they still have proven to be quite a deep team that is able to produce on both sides of the ball, as inconsistent as it may be. The New Orleans Saints on the other hand are inconsistent in their abilities to have an average unit on either side of the ball, and frankly, it just seems like this is going to be a year where they don’t have what it takes to produce against mildly competitive teams. Bold prediction: Devaughn Vele picks up a career high in receiving yards with 81 or more. — Jeremy Trottier