If you're waking up on Saturday, January 17, 2026, looking to watch Bucs game today, you might notice something feels a little off. Usually, mid-January is when the intensity of the NFL playoffs is hitting a fever pitch. You expect to see the pewter and red under the stadium lights, especially given the team's recent run of dominance in the NFC South.
But things didn't exactly go to plan this season.
Honestly, it’s been a weird year for Tampa Bay. For the first time since 2019, the Buccaneers are not in the postseason. They finished the regular season with an 8-9 record after a frustrating late-season slide that saw them drop key games to divisional rivals. Because of that, there is no NFL game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today. They were officially eliminated after the Atlanta Falcons topped the New Orleans Saints in the final week of the regular season, a result that handed the NFC South crown to the Carolina Panthers.
It’s a tough pill to swallow for a fan base used to January football.
Where to Find the Buccaneers Today
While the NFL squad is officially in "evaluation mode," the name "Buccaneers" is still active on the sports calendar today. If you are specifically searching for how to watch Bucs game today, you are likely looking for college hoops.
The East Tennessee State Buccaneers (ETSU) are taking the court today, January 17, 2026. They are facing off against the Chattanooga Mocs in a Southern Conference showdown. It’s a classic rivalry game in the SoCon, and it’s basically the only way to see a team called the Buccaneers in live action this afternoon.
The game is happening at the J. Madison Brooks Gymnasium. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM ET.
You can catch this specific matchup streaming on ESPN+. Since it’s a mid-major college basketball game, you won't find it on your standard local CBS or FOX affiliates. You’ll need that digital subscription or the Disney Bundle to pull up the feed on your TV or phone.
What Happened to the NFL Buccaneers?
It’s wild how fast things change in the NFL. Just a few months ago, the Bucs were sitting at 6-2 and looking like a lock for another playoff run. Then the wheels kind of fell off. They went 2-7 after their bye week.
Coach Todd Bowles is facing a lot of heat right now. Finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs in a year where the division was wide open is not what ownership expected.
The final blow came on January 4th. The Bucs actually beat the Panthers 16-14 in a gritty, rain-soaked game at Raymond James Stadium. It was a ugly win, but it was a win. They did their part, but they needed the Saints to beat or tie the Falcons the next day. The Saints failed, the Falcons won 19-17, and the Bucs were sent home on a tiebreaker.
Basically, the Panthers won the division despite being 8-9 because they had a better record in head-to-head matchups within the three-way tie.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Since you can't watch Bucs game today on the gridiron, the focus has shifted entirely to the 2026 draft and the upcoming schedule. The NFL has already finalized the list of opponents for the 2026 season.
Because they finished second in the NFC South, they actually get a slightly easier schedule than the division-winning Panthers. They'll be playing the second-place finishers from the NFC East, NFC West, and AFC West.
Here is what the home slate looks like for next season:
- Atlanta Falcons
- New Orleans Saints
- Carolina Panthers
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Cleveland Browns
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Los Angeles Rams
- Los Angeles Chargers (This is the "17th game" interconference matchup)
The road schedule includes trips to Dallas to play the Cowboys and a visit to Baltimore to face the Ravens. It’s not an easy road back to the top, but it’s definitely a schedule that offers some high-profile matchups for fans in Tampa.
How to Watch NFL Playoffs Today
Even though Tampa Bay is out, there are still NFL games happening today, January 17, 2026. If you just want to watch high-stakes football, the Divisional Round (or potentially the tail end of Wild Card depending on the calendar shift) is in full swing.
Today’s NFL schedule features a tripleheader:
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- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots at 3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears at 6:30 PM ET on NBC/Peacock.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks at 8:00 PM ET on FOX.
If you usually stream your games, Sling TV, Fubo, and YouTube TV are the go-to spots for these. Most of these services offer a "Day Pass" or a trial if you’re just looking to catch the playoff action without committing to a full season.
Actionable Steps for Bucs Fans
If you’re feeling the void of no Buccaneers football, here’s how to stay plugged in during the off-season.
Check the ETSU vs. Chattanooga game on ESPN+ at 4:00 PM ET if you want to support the "other" Bucs. It’s actually a great way to see some high-energy college ball.
Keep an eye on the local news regarding the coaching staff. Most analysts expect a decision on Todd Bowles' future within the next few days. The "pre-grieving" period fans went through in December is over; now is the time for actual moves.
Start looking at mock drafts. With an 8-9 record, the Bucs will have a mid-round pick, and they desperately need help on the interior defensive line and potentially a playmaker to help out the aging receiving corps.
The journey back to a January home game starts now. Even if you can't watch Bucs game today, the work for the 2026 season is already happening behind the scenes at One Buc Place.