Why to watch
The always-congested NFC South picture is even more muddled now with the Falcons surging, Josh Freeman sputtering and the Saints coming in off the most shocking loss of the season thus far. The Buccaneers already have a win over the Falcons, and this would be a huge lift out of the bye.
Inside story
LeGarrette Blount's knee must have started to feel a little better watching Steven Jackson run wild on the Saints. New Orleans remains vulnerable to power-running attacks, and with Freeman in a funk and without elite receiving targets, expect a bare-knuckles approach from Tampa, even if Blount can't go.
