If you’re frantically refreshing your phone or asking your smart speaker what is the Tampa Bay Bucs score right now, I’ve got some news that might be a bummer. There isn’t one. Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026, and while the NFL Divisional Round is currently in full swing with the Buffalo Bills taking on the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks facing the 49ers, the Buccaneers are nowhere to be found on the field.
It’s a weird feeling for Bucs fans. For years, we’ve been used to January football being a given in Tampa. But after a rollercoaster 2025-2026 campaign that ended just a couple of weeks ago, the pirate ship is docked for the winter.
The Final Score That Ended the Season
The last time there was an answer to what is the Tampa Bay Bucs score was back on January 3, 2026. That was Week 18. It was a messy, rain-soaked afternoon at Raymond James Stadium against the Carolina Panthers.
Honestly, it wasn’t pretty.
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The Bucs actually won that game 16-14. Baker Mayfield hooked up with Cade Otton for a touchdown, and Chase McLaughlin did what he always does—nailed three field goals to keep the lead alive. The defense really stepped up late, forcing a turnover in the fourth quarter that basically saved the day.
Even though they won, the victory felt a bit hollow. The Bucs finished the season with an 8-9 record. Because the Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints the next day, the Bucs were officially eliminated from playoff contention. They finished second in the NFC South, and for the first time since 2021, they didn’t get to hang a division title banner.
A Season of "What Ifs"
Looking back at the schedule, it’s wild how close this team came to being in the mix today. They actually started the season 3-0. Then they were 5-1! People were starting to talk about another deep playoff run.
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But then the wheels kinda fell off.
Between late October and December, the Bucs hit a brutal skid. They lost games to the Patriots, Bills, and Rams in a row. The most heartbreaking one had to be that 29-28 loss to the Falcons in mid-December. If just one of those one-possession games had gone the other way, you’d be looking at a playoff score today instead of a blank schedule.
Who is playing in the NFL today?
Since there isn't a Tampa Bay Bucs score to track, most local fans are keeping an eye on the rest of the NFC. The Divisional Round is the best weekend in football, even if your team isn't in it.
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- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: This kicked off at 4:30 PM ET.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: The nightcap at 8:00 PM ET.
Watching the Seahawks and 49ers battle it out is particularly interesting for Bucs fans because Tampa Bay actually beat San Francisco 30-19 back in Week 6. It’s one of those "what could have been" moments that makes the current offseason feel even longer.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Since the season is over, the focus has already shifted to the 2026 opponents. Because they finished second in the division, the Bucs' schedule for next year is already set. We know they’ll be playing the second-place teams from the NFC East, NFC West, and AFC West.
That means we’re looking at matchups against the Dallas Cowboys, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Rams. It’s not going to be an easy path back to the top of the NFC South.
Actionable Steps for Bucs Fans Today
Since you can't check the live score, here is what you should actually do to stay updated on the team's status:
- Monitor the Mock Drafts: Now that the Bucs are officially picking in the middle of the first round, draft season has started. Keep an eye on prospects at edge rusher and offensive line—the two biggest areas of need.
- Check the Injury Reports: While there's no game, the "end-of-season" physicals are happening. Watch for news on Baker Mayfield's late-season ribs issue and whether any veterans are planning surgery.
- Watch the Divisional Games: Pay attention to the Seahawks-49ers game tonight. It’s a good way to scout the level of competition the Bucs will need to beat next year to get back into the postseason.
- Follow the Coaching Carousel: Todd Bowles is expected back, but in the NFL, things move fast. Check local Tampa sports radio or the Buccaneers' official site for any changes to the defensive or offensive staff.
The quest for the next Tampa Bay Bucs score won't truly begin until the preseason in August 2026. Until then, we're just spectators.