Buccaneers vs. Saints today: kickoff time, inactives, and why Cade Otton looms large

The New Orleans Saints host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, at 4:05 p.m. ET (9:05 p.m. BST) inside the Caesars Superdome. Tampa Bay enters at 5–2, while New Orleans looks to stop a slide at 1–6. If you searched “Saints game today,” here’s the fast, game-day rundown plus a check on Cade Otton’s stats and role.

Saints vs. Buccaneers: game-day essentials

• Kickoff: 4:05 p.m. ET (9:05 p.m. BST)

• Venue: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans

• Records: Buccaneers 5–2; Saints 1–6

• Weather: Dome conditions (no weather impact)

Official inactives and late statuses

Buccaneers inactives: Chris Godwin (WR), Bucky Irving (RB), Haason Reddick (OLB), plus depth pieces on the 48-man cutdown. A notable boost: Vita Vea is active, bolstering Tampa Bay’s interior front. Rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka is available, easing some pressure on the passing game.

Saints inactives: Depth-focused scratches across the secondary and defensive interior, with the core skill players expected to suit up. The defensive line rotation is slightly thinner than usual.

Translation: Tampa Bay is light at proven wide receiver, while New Orleans will juggle snaps on the defensive front. The Bucs’ pass rush loses a premier closer in Reddick, but Vea’s presence helps on early downs.

Cade Otton stats (2025 to date) and why he matters today

Through 7 games:

• Receptions: 22

• Yards: 231

• TD: 0

• Yards per catch: 10.5

With Mike Evans already out and Chris Godwin sidelined today, Cade Otton projects as a primary chain-mover for Baker Mayfield. Expect: stick/option routes versus zone, shallow crossers against man, and red-zone leak concepts off play-action. On National Tight End Day, game plans often feature early tight end touches; Otton’s snap share and route rate make him the cleanest volume bet in Tampa Bay’s short/intermediate game.

Usage notes to watch

• First 15 plays: If Otton logs 2–3 targets on the opening two drives, Tampa has built him into the script.

• Third down: Look for bunch/stack releases to free Otton from jam techniques.

• Red zone: Tampa likes TE throwbacks after split-zone looks; Otton’s first TD of 2025 is live if the Bucs sustain drives.

Tactical keys: Saints vs. Buccaneers

1. Saints’ interior rush vs. Mayfield’s pocket. Without Reddick, Tampa may lean on coverage disguises instead of pure heat. New Orleans must win inside to shrink windows to Otton and the backs.

2. Bucs’ run fits with Vita Vea back. If New Orleans can’t dent the A-gaps, they’ll be forced into longer third downs where Tampa’s simulated pressures can win.

3. Explosives vs. efficiency. The Saints need at least two chunk plays (40+ total yards gained on shots or catch-and-runs) to offset Tampa’s ball-control approach.

4. Hidden yards. Field position and penalties have outsized weight in a game where one offense may be funneling targets to a tight end.

Saints game today: what a winning script looks like

• For New Orleans: Establish early rhythm with quick game and perimeter runs, then pivot to shot plays off condensed formations. Keep Tampa in nickel and stress the flats to force lighter boxes.

• For Tampa Bay: Stay on schedule with early downs to set up play-action. Feature Otton and the RBs in the pass game, then let the defense squeeze the middle of the field with Vea anchoring.

Betting/fantasy lens (informational)

• Total feel: Leans toward a mid-40s game unless defensive scores intervene.

• Prop angle: Cade Otton receptions/yards are viable overs given Tampa’s depleted WR room.

• DFS note: Otton profiles as a salary-savvy bring-back in game stacks; correlate with Tampa defense if you expect a slog.

Editor’s pick

Buccaneers 23, Saints 17. Tampa’s defense with Vea active plus a TE-centric passing plan gives the Bucs enough control. If New Orleans hits explosives and flips the turnover margin, the script swings—but absent that, Cade Otton’s volume should headline a workmanlike road win.