The Tampa Bay Buccaneers return all 22 of their starters from their Super Bowl LV championship team — and given the fact that the Buccaneers did not win their division last year, they get the benefit of a second-place schedule going into 2021. That sets them up nicely for a successful regular season. Given the retirement of Drew Brees in New Orleans, the path is wide open for Tampa Bay to win the NFC South.
Let’s take a look at each stop on the 2021 schedule for the Buccaneers, along with NFL betting predictions for each week.
NFL News: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season Betting Analysis
Week 1: vs Dallas Cowboys (Thursday)
Sure, Dak Prescott is back for Dallas — but he didn’t take a single snap in the preseason, as shoulder troubles kept him off the field after he had finished rehabbing a fractured ankle. The defense is all new — but it’s also young. Expect a lot of points and a Tampa win. Bucs win, 1-0.
Week 2: vs Atlanta Falcons (Sunday, late afternoon)
The Falcons’ defense isn’t any better than the Cowboys’ defense — and Atlanta can’t score like Dallas can. Bucs win, 2-0.
Week 3: at Los Angeles Rams (Sunday, late afternoon)
This game looked a lot tougher for the Bucs until Cam Akers went down for the season, leaving the running game a lot less intimidating. With the Rams relying a lot more heavily on Matthew Stafford, the Bucs should win. Bucs win, 3-0.
Week 4: at New England Patriots (Sunday night)
Has Bill Belichick started game planning for this matchup? Of course. Mac Jones will be under duress from the Bucs’ pass rush all night long, and while Belichick might have some defensive answers to Tampa Bay’s attack, the Bucs win this grinder. Bucs win, 4-0.
Week 5: vs Miami Dolphins (Sunday, early afternoon)
Tua Tagovailoa does not do well under pressure, and pressuring quarterbacks is one thing Tampa Bay does best. Bucs win, 5-0.
Week 6: at Philadelphia Eagles (Thursday)
Traveling on a short week often means ugly performances, particularly by the visiting offense. Even so, Philadelphia’s secondary won’t be able to keep up. Bucs win, 6-0.
Week 7: vs Chicago Bears (Sunday, late afternoon)
Will Justin Fields be starting for the Bears by now? If so, I see the Bears pushing the Bucs hard in this one…and the Bucs will be due to lay an egg by this point. Bears win, 6-1.
Week 8: at New Orleans Saints (Sunday, late afternoon)
Jameis Winston is the new starting quarterback in the Crescent City. A Winston-Brady duel is not one that will go well for the home team. Bucs win, 7-1.
Week 9: BYE
Week 10: at Washington Football Team (Sunday, early afternoon)
This is the rematch of the NFC divisional playoff game last year. The Washington defense clamped down on Brady, and the offense threatened even with Taylor Heinicke running things. Now Ryan Fitzpatrick is in town running the offense. Washington wins, 7-2.
Week 11: vs N.Y. Giants (Monday night)
After dropping two of three, the Buccaneers will be ready to run roughshod over Daniel Jones and the Giants’ offense. Bucs win, 8-2.
Week 12: at Indianapolis Colts (Sunday, early afternoon)
Will Carson Wentz be cruising toward MVP consideration or heading toward another lost season? Will his decision to delay foot surgery turn into a debilitating injury? Will he throw five interceptions against Tampa Bay? Lots of questions. Bucs win, 9-2.
Week 13: at Atlanta Falcons (Sunday, early afternoon)
By now, the Falcons should be moving the ball more effectively. But will they be able to slow down Tampa Bay this time? Bucs win, 10-2.
Week 14: vs Buffalo Bills (Sunday, late afternoon)
This potential Super Bowl matchup will reveal some of Tampa Bay’s flaws, as their defense will not be able to slow down Josh Allen and the Bills’ attack. Bills win, 10-3.
Week 15: vs New Orleans Saints (Sunday night)
Jameis Winston rises up in his return to Tampa Bay and has a transcendent night throwing the ball. Saints win, 10-4.
Week 16: at Carolina (Sunday, early afternoon)
The Panthers are firmly in rebuilding mode, and the Buccaneers will be sharpening up for the playoffs. Bucs win, 11-4.
Week 17: at N.Y. Jets (Sunday, early afternoon)
Another week, another rebuilding team with a young quarterback. The Jets’ defense will not be able to stop Tampa Bay. Bucs win, 12-4.
Week 18: vs Carolina Panthers (Sunday, early afternoon)
Do the Bucs have the bye sewn up yet? Then the starters sit, and the Panthers win. I don’t think a 12-4 record will have the bye sewn up yet, though, so I expect full effort out of Tampa Bay. Bucs win, 13-4.
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