ClutchPoints
For the first time since 2020, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not win the NFC South. Four straight division titles ended in 2025, after the Buccaneers’ late-season collapse led to the Carolina Panthers’ capture of the crown. While the Panthers didn’t get past the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card round, many believe them to be a team on the rise.
Meanwhile, many think the Buccaneers are falling behind. The team’s biggest leaders, wide receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David, are now gone. Evans bolted for San Francisco in free agency, inking a three-year deal with the 49ers. David retired, capping off a potential Hall of Fame career. Without the duo, plus other contributors like long-time starting cornerback Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay will look different in 2026.
Still, a large part of the core remains intact. Quarterback Baker Mayfield returns for his fourth season as the starting signal caller. Veteran receiver Chris Godwin takes over as a team leader, with rising youngsters Jalen McMillan and Emeka Egbuka looking to make an even bigger mark in 2026. The defense has been revamped after the Buccaneers’ disappointing season. With the 2026 NFL schedule now fully released, how will the Buccaneers fare on a game-by-game basis this fall?
Home Schedule: Cleveland Browns (Week 2- WIN); Minnesota Vikings (Week 3- WIN); Green Bay Packers (Week 4- WIN); Pittsburgh Steelers (Week 6- WIN); Atlanta Falcons (Week 8- WIN); Carolina Panthers (Week 12- WIN); Los Angeles Chargers (Week 13- WIN); New Orleans Saints (Week 15- WIN); Los Angeles Rams (Week 17- LOSS)
While the Buccaneers have nine home games, as opposed to eight on the road, their slate at Raymond James Stadium is filled with tests. Tampa Bay will likely be favored against the Browns in their home opener. In addition to Cleveland, a win against the Falcons at home feels like a lock as well.
However, the rest of the schedule could pose issues. The Steelers and Chargers, the other visiting AFC foes, will provide stiff challenges after coming off playoff appearances in 2025. Division rivals Carolina and New Orleans always play the Buccaneers tough at “RayJay.” A win over Minnesota feels likely at this point as well, although Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray could make that matchup a difficult one as well if he returns to Pro Bowl form.
Yet, the two toughest tests will certainly come from the Packers and Rams. Former NFC Central rivals, the Buccaneers and Green Bay clashed for supremacy many times throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Meanwhile, the Rams made a run to the NFC Championship game just a few months ago. MVP Matthew Stafford returns with a host of weapons. Los Angeles was also the team that dashed the Bucs’ hopes at a second straight Lombardi Trophy, as they defeated Tampa Bay en route to their second title. If Mayfield can lead the Buccaneers to a victory over the visiting NFC powerhouses, it will go a...
