If you’re frantically searching for what is the score of the Bucs game today, I’ve got some bad news that’s going to sting a little.
There is no score.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not playing today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026. While the NFL playoffs are currently in full swing and the divisional round is just around the corner, the Bucs are watching from their couches just like the rest of us. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a fan base that has grown accustomed to January football, but that’s the reality of the 2025-2026 season.
Why isn't there a score for the Bucs game today?
Basically, the Buccaneers were eliminated from playoff contention after a roller-coaster finish to the regular season. Their final game took place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Raymond James Stadium. In a rain-soaked, gritty affair, Tampa Bay actually beat the Carolina Panthers 16-14.
At the time, that win felt like a lifesaver. It moved them to 8-9 and kept their slim hopes for an NFC South title alive for exactly 24 hours. Honestly, the atmosphere in Tampa that night was electric despite the downpour. Baker Mayfield connected with Cade Otton for an early touchdown, and Chase McLaughlin was his usual reliable self, drilling three field goals.
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But the celebration was short-lived.
The Bucs needed the New Orleans Saints to beat the Atlanta Falcons the following day to clinch the division. It didn't happen. Atlanta took care of business, winning the NFC South and effectively ending Tampa Bay’s season via tiebreakers. Because the Bucs didn't secure a Wild Card spot either, their year wrapped up with that 16-14 victory over Carolina.
What happened to the Bucs this season?
If you're wondering how a team that won the division four years in a row suddenly found themselves out of the dance, you aren't alone. It wasn't one single thing; it was a slow bleed.
The "mudder" game against the Panthers was a perfect microcosm of their year. They outrushed Carolina 140 to 19 in the rain, showing flashes of that old-school toughness Todd Bowles loves. Bucky Irving was a workhorse, racking up 85 yards on 26 carries. But the passing game often struggled to stay consistent, and the defense—while stout against the run—got shredded in key moments throughout the late fall.
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- Week 11: A heartbreaking 44-32 loss to the Bills.
- Week 12: A complete blowout, losing 34-7 to the Rams.
- Week 17: A narrow 20-17 loss to the Dolphins that proved to be the final nail in the coffin.
By the time they hit Week 18, they were playing for their lives. They won the battle but lost the war.
The 2026 outlook: What's next for Tampa Bay?
Since you won't find a Bucs score today, the focus has already shifted to the 2026 offseason. The front office is currently in "evaluation mode," which is NFL-speak for "deciding who to keep and who to cut."
One of the biggest storylines heading into the spring is the quarterback situation. Baker Mayfield had a productive year statistically—throwing for 203 yards and a touchdown in the finale—but the offense stalled too often in the red zone. With the NFL Draft approaching, fans are already debating whether the team should look for a fresh face or stick with the veteran leadership that kept them competitive until the very end.
The 2026 opponents list has already been finalized, too. Because they finished second in the NFC South, they’ll face a slightly "easier" schedule than the first-place Falcons. They’ve got home dates lined up against both Los Angeles teams (the Chargers and Rams) and a tough road trip to Dallas.
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Key dates to watch instead of the score:
- January 14, 2026: Deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft.
- January 17-18, 2026: Divisional Playoffs (teams like the Bills, Broncos, and 49ers are still in it).
- February 8, 2026: Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium.
- March 2026: The start of the new league year and free agency.
It’s definitely weird not seeing the Creamsicle or Pewter on the screen mid-January. If you’re looking for a team to root for today, you’re out of luck on the NFL front until the weekend, but the draft talk is already heating up on local sports radio.
The best thing you can do right now is keep an eye on the injury reports and contract news coming out of One Buc Place. The team has some aging stars and some rising talent like Bucky Irving, and how they navigate the next few months will determine if we’re searching for a playoff score this time next year.
Check the official Buccaneers website or local Tampa sports outlets for the "State of the Bucs" press conferences usually held this week. These briefings often give the first real clues about coaching changes or potential free-agent targets.