Buccaneers Score Right Now: The Reality of the 2026 Postseason
If you’re looking for the buccaneers score right now, I’ve got some bad news: there isn't one. It’s January 18, 2026, and the NFL Divisional Round is in full swing, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't on the field. They aren't in the locker room. They aren't even at Raymond James Stadium today.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling for Bucs fans who have grown used to deep playoff runs over the last few years.
Instead of Baker Mayfield airing it out today, we’re watching the Houston Texans take on the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams battle the Chicago Bears. The Bucs' season officially ended a couple of weeks ago, and while it was a wild ride, it didn't end with a trophy.
How We Got Here (The Week 18 Heartbreak)
The search for the buccaneers score right now usually stems from the chaotic finish to the regular season. Just fifteen days ago, on January 3, the Bucs actually did their part. They beat the Carolina Panthers 16-14 in a rain-soaked, ugly game at home.
It was classic "mudder" football. Chase McLaughlin was basically the MVP that day, knocking through three field goals while the offense struggled to find rhythm in the downpour. Baker Mayfield managed a touchdown pass to Cade Otton, and for about 24 hours, Tampa held its breath.
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That win put the Bucs at 8-9. Not pretty, but in the NFC South, 8-9 is often enough to book a flight to the dance.
The problem? They didn't control their own destiny. They needed the New Orleans Saints to beat the Atlanta Falcons the following day. It didn't happen. Atlanta took care of business, winning the division and effectively ending Tampa Bay’s season due to tiebreakers.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Roster
A lot of people think the Bucs are in a "rebuilding" phase. That’s not quite right. You don’t keep guys like Mike Evans and Lavonte David around if you’re just trying to lose for draft picks.
Mike Evans actually had a historic season against the Panthers, continuing his streak of 1,000-yard seasons and proving he’s still the "high-point specialist" of the league. But the roster has some glaring holes that showed up during that four-game losing streak in December.
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- The Run Game: In that final win against Carolina, the Bucs actually outrushed the Panthers by 121 yards. That was an anomaly. For most of the season, the ground game was "sorta" non-existent, putting way too much pressure on Mayfield to make hero plays.
- The Defensive Secondary: While guys like Benjamin Morrison (the rookie CB) have shown flashes—remember him falling on that final fumble to seal the Week 18 win?—the unit as a whole gave up too many explosive plays in late-game situations.
Why Today Matters for the Bucs' Future
Even though there’s no buccaneers score right now, today’s playoff games are actually huge for Tampa Bay.
The front office is currently scouting the teams still playing. They’re looking at how the Rams or the Bears structured their mid-season turnarounds. More importantly, the draft order is starting to solidify. Since the Bucs didn't make the playoffs, they are already looking at their 2026 opponents, which were finalized just a few days ago.
Next year’s schedule is already looking tough. We’re talking about road trips to Dallas and Detroit, plus home games against both Los Angeles teams (the Chargers and the Rams).
What to Do Since the Bucs Aren't Playing
If you're a die-hard fan wondering what to do with your Sunday now that you know there's no game, here’s the move.
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First, keep an eye on the Divisional Round scores because those results dictate the final draft order for the non-playoff teams. If you’re looking for a team to root for, many Bucs fans are leaning toward whatever team is playing against the Falcons (who took our spot).
Second, start looking at the free agency list. The Bucs have some massive decisions to make regarding the aging core of the defense. Lavonte David isn't getting any younger, and the "dirty work" guys like Cade Otton need more support in the receiving corps if this team wants to avoid another 8-9 finish.
Actionable Next Steps for Bucs Fans:
- Check the 2026 Opponent List: The NFL has already confirmed Tampa will host the Packers, Steelers, and Browns next season.
- Monitor the Coaching Carousel: Keep an eye on whether Todd Bowles makes changes to the defensive staff following the late-season collapse.
- Draft Prep: Start looking at interior offensive line prospects in the late first round; that’s where the Bucs are likely to pick.
The season is over, but the work for 2026 has already started. We’ll see you at training camp.