So, you’re looking for the kickoff time, checking the spread, and maybe wondering if Baker Mayfield is going to pull another rabbit out of a hat this afternoon. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026. You’ve got the snacks ready. But here’s the reality check that’s going to sting a bit for the Krewe: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't playing today.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling. For the last four years, January in Tampa meant playoff football was a given. We got used to those high-stakes games at Raymond James Stadium. But today, while the NFL Divisional Round kicks off with the Buffalo Bills taking on the Denver Broncos and an NFC West grudge match between the 49ers and Seahawks, the Bucs are watching from the couch just like the rest of us.
The season basically ended in a messy, rain-soaked thriller two weeks ago. If you missed the chaos of Week 18, it was peak NFC South football—ugly, dramatic, and ultimately not quite enough.
The Week 18 Heartbreak Explained
To understand why the Buccaneers aren't on your TV today, we have to look back at that January 3rd finale against the Carolina Panthers. It was a 16-14 win for Tampa Bay. On paper, a win is a win, right? Baker Mayfield threw a touchdown to Cade Otton, and Chase McLaughlin was as reliable as ever with three field goals. The defense even stood tall, holding the Panthers to a measly 19 rushing yards.
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But the math was cruel this year.
Tampa Bay finished the regular season at 8-9. In the bizarre world of the 2026 NFC South, that record left them in a three-way tiebreaker scenario. Because the Atlanta Falcons took care of business against the New Orleans Saints the following day, the Falcons snatched the division title. Even though the Bucs beat Carolina, the tiebreaker rules—specifically common games and head-to-head records among the three teams—pushed Tampa Bay out of the postseason bracket.
It’s the first time since 2021 that the Bucs haven't won the South. That’s why, when people ask who do the Buccaneers play today, the answer is unfortunately "nobody." They are officially in offseason mode.
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Who is Playing in the NFL Today?
Even if the pewter and red aren't on the field, there is plenty of playoff action to catch today. The Divisional Round is usually the best weekend of football all year. If you’re a fan of the sport and not just the team, here is the slate for Saturday, January 17:
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: This one kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. It’s a massive clash in the AFC. Watching Josh Allen in the playoffs is always a wildcard experience.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: The nightcap starts at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX. This is a classic divisional rivalry. Since the Bucs are out, many Tampa fans are keeping an eye on this one because it determines who represents the NFC in the next round.
There’s a bit of irony in the 49ers game. Tampa Bay actually beat both the 49ers and the Seahawks earlier this season. Seeing those teams advance while the Bucs sit home is a tough pill to swallow for the locker room.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Since today is a wash, most fans are already pivoting to what happens next. The good news? The 2026 schedule is already starting to take shape, and it’s going to be a gauntlet.
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Because the Bucs finished second in the NFC South, they won't be playing a "first-place schedule" for once. That might sound like a relief, but the NFL’s rotating division matchups mean Tampa Bay is slated to face the NFC North and the AFC East next year.
You can expect home games against the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers. There’s also the "17th game" to consider—in 2026, the NFC hosts the extra interconference game, and the Bucs are scheduled to play the Los Angeles Chargers at Raymond James Stadium.
The road trip list is equally intense. We’re looking at a flight to Dallas to face the Cowboys and games against the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears. Of course, the standard six games against the Falcons, Saints, and Panthers will still be the bread and butter of the season.
Actionable Insights for the Offseason
Since there’s no game to watch, here is what you should actually be tracking if you want to stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season:
- Monitor the Salary Cap: The Bucs have some aging vets and big contracts coming due. Keep an eye on how the front office handles the interior defensive line.
- The Draft Order: By missing the playoffs, Tampa Bay has a mid-tier draft pick. Look for them to target an edge rusher or a playmaker in the secondary to help a defense that struggled with consistency this year.
- Coaching Staff Stability: Todd Bowles has kept the ship steady, but after missing the playoffs with an 8-9 record, there will be conversations about the offensive direction.
- Free Agency Targets: With the Chargers and Rams on the schedule next year, the Bucs need more speed on the outside. Watch the waiver wire and early free-agency rumors starting in March.
It sucks that the Bucs aren't playing today. There’s no sugarcoating it. But the NFL moves fast, and the road back to the playoffs in 2027 starts with the moves made in the next few weeks. For now, pull up a chair, watch the Bills and Broncos, and start dreaming of the 2026 home opener.