On Thursday, the NFL released the schedules for all 32 teams in preparation for the 2023-24 season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a few key matchups that will be big-time games for them this season.
Week 1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Bucs open their season in U.S. Bank Stadium against the Vikings to kick off the year. Minnesota is always a challenge with Justin Jefferson on the field. The all-pro receiver finished with 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns last season. It was the sixth highest receiving yardage season by a player in NFL history.
The Buccaneers could use their explosive front seven to disrupt the connection between Kirk Cousins and Jefferson. But, if the Vikings quarterback gets time in the pocket, he could expose Tampa Bay with the dangerous passing game they possess.
Minnesota also dominated the NFC North last year. They finished 13-4 and the next closest team was the Detroit Lions who finished 9-8.
It is a challenging way to start the season and to show everyone what this Tampa Bay team is all about.
Week 3: Philadelphia Eagles v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The reigning NFC champions come into town just two weeks later to take on the Bucs in Raymond James Stadium. The Eagles also play the Vikings the week before this matchup and the Bucs will play the Bears a week prior in their home opener. This game is also on Monday Night football.
Tampa Bay does take on the best team in the conference early to gauge how good the team is. The last time the two teams met up was the wild card round two seasons ago when the Buccaneers still had Tom Brady at the helm. They defeated Philly 31-15 for the 11th playoff win in franchise history.
Week 16: Jacksonville Jaguars v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A Christmas Eve matchup puts Tampa Bay up against fellow Florida team Jacksonville as the season winds down. It’s a Sunshine State showdown!
The Jaguars had an explosive end to 2022-23. The team started the year 4-8 before winning their last five games of the year to take the AFC South title. They then beat the Los Angeles Chargers in a wild comeback in the wild card round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional game.
Jacksonville could definitely ride that momentum into this season to be a threat to win a division that is once again up in the air. Tampa Bay is also in position to make noise in a tumultuous NFC South. This game could mean a lot to both of these teams coming down the stretch.