TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 3: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up with Emeka Egbuka #2 prior to an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on January 3, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Buccaneers schedule has been released and with that it is time to do a fun exercise this time of year and that is prediction the matchups. Let’s dive into it.

Week 1: @ Cincinnati Bengals

Tampa Bay opens up on the road in Cincy to start the year and it is an early test for the revamped defense. The Bucs offense puts up enough points, and the defense forces a turnover or two to win a high scoring opener. Prediction: Bucs win (1-0)

Week 2: Vs Cleveland Browns

The home opener is a revenge game for Baker Mayfield and the Browns have a lot of questions at the quarterback position. I think Mayfield shows Cleveland what they are missing out on and reminds them what they moved on from. Prediction: Bucs win (2-0)

Week 3: Vs Minnesota Vikings

After a 2-0 start the Bucs welcome the Vikings to town and there are QB questions here as well. The team signed veteran Kyler Murray and he could be the starter over J.J. McCarthy. I think this is a tough game and where the Bucs first stumble is. Prediction: Bucs lose (2-1)

Week 4: Vs Green Bay Packers

After a loss, the Bucs look to bounce back and have a matchup with the Packers. Micah Parsons could potentially miss the game for Green Bay if they put him on the PUP list. However, Green Bay is still a quality football team and one that will be a tough test for the Bucs. Prediction: Bucs lose (2-2). Side prediction: This will be the creamsicle game.

Week 5: @ Dallas Cowboys Thursday Night Football

Bucs are on a short week in Dallas for their first prime time game of the season and this presents another challenge for the defense with Dak Prescott and company. On a short week and given the Bucs struggles in prime time, I’m in believe it when I see it mode. Prediction: Bucs lose (2-3)

Week 6: Vs Pittsburgh Steelers

It is pretty early for a must win but this very well could be after the Bucs drop the last three in a row. I expect Aaron Rodgers to be the Steelers QB this coming season. I also expect Rodgers’ struggles in Tampa to continue, even in a different uniform. Prediction: Bucs win (3-3)

Week 7: @ Carolina Panthers

Tampa Bay’s first divisional matchup of 2026 and it is against the team that they lost the division to last year. I think revenge will be on the Bucs minds and they will get just that. Prediction: Bucs win (4-3)

Week 8: Vs Atlanta Falcons

Unsure of who the Falcons QB will be at this point but they still do have a lot of talent on that team. Baker Mayfield will be looking to beat his former head coach in Kevin Stefanski. Unfortunately for Baker, he will have to wait as the roller coaster season continues. Prediction: Bucs lose (4-4)

Week 9: @ Chicago Bears Sunday Night Football

The Bucs face off against Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams in prime time. The Bears were a pretty impressive team last year and are looking to make another jump in 2026. Remember what I said about the Bucs in primetime? Yeah, that still stands. Prediction: Bucs lose (4-5)

Week 10: BYE

The perfect bye week.

Week 11: @ Detroit Lions

Going into Detroit is always a dog fight and these two teams have gotten to know each other very well, facing off four times in the last three seasons including a playoff game. Unfortunately for the Bucs though, they are 1-3 in those four contests. I’m not sure I see that changing this year. Prediction: Bucs lose (4-6)

Week 12: Vs Carolina Panthers Monday Night Football

Do I really have to explain the whole Bucs and primetime thing again? Next. Prediction: Bucs lose (4-7)

Week 13: vs Los Angeles Chargers

On a short week against a quality team is a tall task but by this point the Bucs will have their backs against the wall. I think they respond well and try to make a push for the postseason. Prediction: Bucs win (5-7)

Week 14: @ Baltimore Ravens

Containing Lamar Jackson will be very difficult and the weather may not be in the Bucs favor here. Baltimore can be upset, but not this time. Prediction: Bucs lose (5-8)

Week 15: Vs New Orleans Saints

The first time seeing the Saints all year in what is pretty much a must win. The last time they played the Saints at home in a playoff push it didn’t go well. This time they’ll respond differently. Prediction: Bucs win (6-8)

Week 16: @ Atlanta Falcons

Seeing Atlanta again and it being this late in the season could make this game a crucial one. I have a hard time seeing the Bucs get swept here so they get some payback from their earlier loss to this team. Prediction: Bucs win (7-8)

Week 17: Vs Los Angeles Rams

It’s hard to assume that everyone is going to be healthy for these teams at this point in the season, but it is also hard to imagine the Bucs beating the Rams. Sean McVay just has Bowles’ number, and I don’t see that changing this time around. Prediction: Bucs lose (7-9)

Week 18: @ New Orleans Saints

Last year the Bucs closed out the season with a victory over a division opponent, this year I think will be quite similar. Will it be enough to win the NFC South and make the playoffs? In this division, who knows. Prediction: Bucs win (8-9)

Final Record Prediction: 8-9

Head on over to FanDuel and check out what our friends have odds set for the Bucs this upcoming season.

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