With the release of the 2025 NFL schedule, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who once again won the NFC South, appear to be guaranteed another division title and playoff appearance.
With the draft in the rearview mirror, the Buccaneers, at least on paper, did what they had to do and shored up the defensive side of the ball, most notably the secondary and the edge rusher position.
The Buccaneers want to prove to the rest of the league that they can be one of the elite teams in the conference.
According to Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis, the Buccaneers’ schedule is the 10th-easiest in the NFL.
The Buccaneers have four prime-time games this season, beginning with the week two matchup against the Houston Texans.
The complete list of primetime games:
Week 2, Sept. 15, at Texans (MNF), 8:15 p.m.
Week 7, Oct. 20, at Lions (MNF), 8:15 p.m.
Week 12, Nov. 23, at Rams (SNF), 8:20 p.m.
Week 15, Dec. 11, vs. Atlanta Falcons (TNF) 8:15 p.m.
The biggest games on this year’s schedule include a home game against the Eagles and three road games at Detroit, the Los Angeles Rams, and Buffalo.
The Buccaneers will open the season on the road against the Atlanta Falcons on September 7th.
The Bucs lost in Atlanta last season 36-30 in overtime on a Thursday Night. Kirk Cousins had his best game as a pro, passing for 508 yards and four touchdowns.
With this being the first game of the season, the Buccaneers have an opportunity to show everyone that their defense has improved, especially the pass defense. The Buccaneers will beat the Falcons in the season opener.
Week two is the Bucs’ first primetime game as they travel to Houston to play the Texans.
This will be another early-season test for the Buccaneers, as they will be tested on both sides of the ball.
I am picking Tampa to win this game and improve to 2-0 on the season.
Week three is the home opener for the Buccaneers as they host the New York Jets at Raymond James Stadium in the season opener. The Jets are a mess, and the Bucs should easily put this one in the win column.
In week four, the Bucs welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to Tampa. This is always a very competitive game, bringing the worst sports fans in the world to Tampa to watch the Eagles. The Bucs have had success at home against the Eagles, and that should continue this season against the Super Bowl Champions.
Back-to-back weeks with Jets and Eagles fans at Raymond James is a bit much. You will not find any more obnoxious fans than fans of any sport than these two teams.
In week five, the Buccaneers make a west coast trip to Seattle to play the Seahawks. Tampa has never had good luck and played well in Seattle. The Seahawks will give the Bucs their first loss of the season.
In week six, the Bucs are back home to play San Francisco. Deebo Samuel, Dre Greenlaw, and Javon Hargrave are no longer on the 49ers roster. Put this win in the win column for the Buccaneers.
In week seven, the Buccaneers travel to Detroit for a Monday Night showdown with the Lions. This will be another challenging game for the Buccaneers, and I like the Lions to win this one.
In week eight, the Buccaneers head to New Orleans for their second division game of the year. With Derek Carr’s retirement, the Saints will struggle this season at quarterback. The Buccaneers will win this one.
Week nine is the bye week.
In week ten, the Bucs host Mike Vrabel and the new-look New England Patriots. New England will show improvement, but not enough to win in Tampa. Put this one in the win column for the Buccaneers.
In week eleven, the Bucs head north for a showdown with the Buffalo Bills. On paper, the Bucs match up well with the Bills, and this will be a game the Bucs must win to show the rest of the NFL that they are legit.
In week twelve, Tampa is making another west coast trip for a Sunday Night showdown with the LA Rams. Again, this is another tough place for the Bucs to win a game. This year should be no different, as the Rams should win this game.
In week thirteen, the Arizona Cardinals come to Tampa. The Cardinals have improved this off-season, but not enough to win this game. The Buccaneers win their ninth game of the season.
Week fourteen, it’s another division game for the Bucs as they host the New Orleans Saints. Another win for Tampa as they improve to 10-3 on the season.
In week fifteen, the Atlanta Falcons make their annual visit to Tampa. The Falcons and the Bucs should once again battle for the NFC South. For some reason, the Bucs always struggle against the Falcons at home, and this year will be no different.
The Buccaneers are the more talented team, but the Falcons win this game.
In week sixteen, the Bucs will play at Carolina. Although the Panthers have improved, this should be an easy win for the Buccaneers.
Week seventeen is an intra-state game with the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have a talented roster but are never good enough to make a playoff run. Put this in the win column for the Buccaneers.
Again, in week eighteen, Tampa wraps up its season on the road against the Panthers in Charlotte. There is not much to say here; it’s another win for the Buccaneers to end the season.
It will be another NFC South Division title for the Buccaneers. They will finish with a 12-4 record and get a bye in the first round of the NFL playoffs.