If you’re a Tampa Bay fan, you’re probably more excited about the 2020 season than you have been about any season in a long time. The Jameis Winston experiment at quarterback has finally come to an end, with Winston joining the New Orleans Saints as a backup. Winston led the Buccaneers to some dizzying heights, but he just could never overcome that interception bug. Now the Bucs have brought in Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, fresh out of retirement, to jolt an offense that has tons of talent at wide receiver but hasn’t had the right quarterback to take advantage. The Buccaneers have favorable NFL betting odds to win the Super Bowl thanks to Brady’s arrival, so it’s time to look at the Buccaneers’ season and see how they will do.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2020 Schedule Analysis
Week 1: at New Orleans
Tom Brady and Drew Brees have only met six times in their storied NFL careers. Now they’ll meet twice a season — and I think Brady and the hype will lead to an upset win for the Bucs. Prediction: Win
Week 2: vs Carolina
Brady’s next quarterback duel will come against Teddy Bridgewater and a Carolina team that has had to integrate a new quarterback and a new head coach during a virtual off-season. Prediction: Win
Week 3: at Denver
I know there’s a lot of optimism in Denver thanks to the solid play of Drew Lock last year. However, the sophomore slump is a term for a reason, and the Buccaneers will have found a little momentum by now. Prediction: Win
Week 4: vs L.A. Chargers
The Chargers might have the best defense that Tampa Bay will have faced at this point in the season. The Chargers’ offense might grind a little, with either Tyrod Taylor or Justin Herbert at the gears, but the Chargers’ talent should deliver a bit of a lesson here. Prediction: Loss
Week 5: at Chicago
Tom Brady will face Nick Foles for the first time since that Super Bowl LII debacle, so you can bet Brady will have plenty of motivation and preparation in place. Foles never caught on in Jacksonville and is now looking for yet another career restart. The Bears’ defense will try the Buccaneers, but I see Brady leading a late rally. Prediction: Win
Week 6: vs Green Bay
If there is a quarterback who can out-rally Brady right now, it’s got to be Aaron Rodgers, who will be looking for plenty of redemption this year. Prediction: Loss
Week 7: at Las Vegas
The Raiders have been very aggressive in free agency this off-season, and I see them playing at a higher level in 2020. Their improved defense should be able to match up well with Tampa Bay — but can Derek Carr deliver rallies when it counts most? Prediction: Win
Week 8: at N.Y. Giants
The Giants are still in rebuilding mode, and they don’t have a quarterback with six rings running their offense. Prediction: Win
Week 9: vs New Orleans
The Saints will come to town and deliver some payback for that Week 1 loss in the Crescent City. Prediction: Loss
Week 10: at Carolina
The Panthers will still be in rebuilding mode, while the Buccaneers will be pushing for a postseason spot. Prediction: Win
Week 11: vs L.A. Rams
The Rams will be tiring of Jared Goff’s inconsistency by this point. Prediction: Win
Week 12: vs Kansas City
This will be an epic battle between two outstanding quarterbacks, but the Chiefs have the superior offense. Prediction: Loss
Week 13: Bye
Week 14: vs Minnesota
The Vikings will be in their late-season rally mode once again, and their defense will stifle Tampa Bay. Prediction: Loss
Week 15: at Atlanta
The Falcons will be due for one of their outlier games, in which they look like their old Super Bowl selves. Having Brady across the field from them will provide additional motivation. Prediction: Loss
Week 16: at Detroit
The Bucs end a three-game skid as Tom Brady torches the defense that his old coordinator, Matt Patricia, has put together. Prediction: Win
Week 17: vs Atlanta
The Buccaneers get grand revenge in front of their fans in the season finale. Prediction: Win
Season Record Prediction: 10-6
