If you were hoping to see the Krewe making a deep playoff run this January, I’ve got some bad news. It’s over. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are officially done for the season.
Honestly, it was a weird way to go out. The Bucs actually handled their business in Week 18, beating the Carolina Panthers 16-14 on January 3rd. But because the Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints the following day, Tampa Bay was bounced from playoff contention. They finished 8-9. It’s the first time since 2021 that they haven't won the NFC South.
So, who do the buccaneers play next? Since they missed the postseason, they don't have another game until the 2026 preseason kicks off in August. However, we already know exactly who they are going to face in the 2026 regular season.
The 2026 Opponent List is Set
Because the Bucs finished in second place in the NFC South, their 2026 schedule looks a bit different than the "first-place" gauntlet they’ve run lately. No more automatic matchups against every other division winner in the NFC.
Instead, they get a "second-place schedule." That means they'll play the teams that finished second in the NFC East, NFC West, and AFC West.
Home Games at Raymond James Stadium
Tampa gets nine home games this year. That’s because the NFC is slated to host the "17th game" in 2026. Here is who is coming to town:
- Atlanta Falcons (Division Rivalry)
- Carolina Panthers (Division Rivalry)
- New Orleans Saints (Division Rivalry)
- Green Bay Packers (NFC North rotation)
- Minnesota Vikings (NFC North rotation)
- Cleveland Browns (AFC North rotation)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC North rotation)
- Los Angeles Chargers (The 17th game matchup)
- Los Angeles Rams (Second-place finisher in NFC West)
Road Trips on the Horizon
The away schedule is pretty brutal travel-wise. They’ve got to head to the Midwest and the West Coast.
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- New Orleans Saints
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Dallas Cowboys (Second-place finisher in NFC East)
Why the Schedule Matters Right Now
You might think it’s too early to care, but the schedule dictates the offseason strategy. Playing the AFC North means facing some of the most physical defensive fronts in football—think Baltimore and Pittsburgh. If the Bucs want to survive those road trips to the North, they basically have to fix the interior of their offensive line.
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Last season, the run game was... well, "putrid" is a strong word, but it fits. They couldn't move the ball on the ground when it mattered.
Also, look at those home games against the Chargers and Rams. Those are high-flying offenses. Todd Bowles is going to be under massive pressure to upgrade the secondary, especially with rumors swirling about whether some of the aging vets in the locker room are coming back.
Key Offseason Questions Before Week 1
Before we get to the actual dates and times—which the NFL usually drops in mid-May—the Bucs have some massive internal decisions.
- The Mike Evans Factor: He’s a legend. Period. But he’s also a free agent. Without him, this offense loses its soul. Keeping him is the number one priority if they want to stay competitive in 2026.
- The Defense's Age: Lavonte David is still playing at a high level, but he isn't getting any younger. They need to find his successor yesterday.
- The Draft Position: By finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs, they’ll have a mid-round pick. Expect them to target an edge rusher or a corner to deal with the quarterbacks on the 2026 slate.
What to do while we wait
Since there isn't a game next week, the focus shifts to the scouting combine and free agency. The Bucs' 2026 season will be won or lost in March and April, not just on the field in September.
Keep an eye on the official schedule release in May. That’s when we’ll find out if that trip to Dallas is a primetime Thanksgiving game or just a standard Sunday afternoon kickoff. Until then, the "next game" is a long way off.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Monitor Free Agency: Watch for news on Mike Evans and Antoine Winfield Jr. specifically.
- Check the Draft Order: Following the playoffs, the Bucs' exact draft slot will be finalized (likely around pick 15-18).
- Save the Date: Mark your calendar for the second week of May for the full NFL schedule reveal.