2023 Season Predictions for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already been counted by the national media. Pegged as a team that will be lucky to reach five wins and are firmly in the race for the Caleb Williams sweepstakes. However, the schedule isn't as difficult as previous years and the team has too much talent to not remain competitive. Especially in a NFC South Division that has a ton of question marks.
The Bucs also play the downtrodden AFC South this year, as well as the Bears. There is a path to at least five wins right there. Which won't be enough to land the top pick in the NFL Draft. While looming matchups against the Eagles, 49ers, and Bills, those will be difficult games for Tampa Bay to win, there should be much more optimism surrounding this team.
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Last season the Bucs finished with a losing record only managing eight wins with the Tom Brady under center. If things go right for Tampa Bay they have a chance to surpass that and capture their third consecutive NFC South Division title. Though the defense may have to carry the offense early on as they break in a first-time playcaller in Dave Canales, a new quarterback in Baker Mayfield, and a new scheme.
Much of the defense remains intact and a new offensive coordinator and system have the Buccaneers buzzing with excitement. There is a chip on their shoulder after being counted out by so many. And they're ready to prove that it wasn't just Tom Brady that propelled this team's success. If they can stay healthy the Bucs will surprise a lot of people in 2023.
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Here are my game predictions for the 2023 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Week 1: at Minnesota Vikings - Win
The Buccaneers start the season off with a win catching the Vikings off guard with their new look offense. While Minnesota's offense is formidable, their defense is full of young inexperienced talent that will be implementing a new system. On the other hand, the Bucs' defense is full of savvy veterans that can keep the game close helping the offense steal one on the road.
Bucs Record 1-0
Week 2: vs Chicago Bears - Win
The Bears have made improvements on both sides of the ball, but this team still feels a year or two away. Justin Fields needs to be accounted for at all time and the Bucs defense will have their hands full containing him as a runner. Though Tampa Bay should win their home opener at Raymond James Stadium in decisive fashion.
Bucs Record 2-0
Week 3: vs Philadelphia Eagles - Loss
The Eagles come to town for Monday Night Football and present a difficult challenge for the Bucs. The reigning NFC Champions have a ton of talent on both sides of the ball that will be too much for the team to overcome.
Bucs Record 2-1
Week 4: at New Orleans Saints - Loss
I feel like the Saints and Bucs are more evenly matched this season and both have a ton of question marks on the offense. Derek Carr is a clear upgrade from Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton but doesn't move the needle as much as I think people are making it out to be. The Bucs swept the Saints last season but that won't be the case this year as they drop the first of two match-ups to the Saints in NOLA.
Bucs Record 2-2
Through The Spyglass: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings
Week 5: Bye
The Bucaneers' bye week comes early this season and means the team will play 13 straight games to end the season. However, it also gives them the opportunity to self-scout themselves and right whatever wrongs have been plaguing them the first four games as they gear up for the long stretch run.
Week 6: vs Detroit Lions - Loss
The return of the creamsicles means that Raymond James will be rowdy when the Lions come to town. However, this Detroit team looks like the real deal and will give the Bucs all they can handle. Even with a week to prepare and Bucco Bruce behind them, Tampa Bay drops this in a close one.
Bucs Record 2-3
Week 7: vs Atlanta Falcons - Win
The Bucs right the ship against a Falcons team that has added pieces on both sides of the ball. While I think they will be a more competitive team, I'm not sold on Desmond Ridder and the additions on defense. Buccaneers get back to .500 with a win at home against the Falcons.
Bucs Record 3-3
Week 8: at Buffalo Bills - Loss
On a short week, in Buffalo and against a superior Bills team it would be a huge upset if the Bucs can pull out a victory. The Bills are Super Bowl contenders for a reason this year and are too talented of a team for Tampa Bay to overcome.
Bucs Record 3-4
Keys To Cannon Fire: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings
Week 9: at Houston Texans - Win
The Texans are in full rebuild mode and while they have some very good young pieces it's just not enough to beat the Buccaneers. Houston is still about two years away from being something really special. Tampa Bay coming off a mini-bye will get the win against the rookie cornerback and head coach.
Bucs Record 4-4
Week 10: vs Tennessee Titans - Win
The Bucs string together back-to-back wins against the AFC South when the Titans come to town. Tennessee has a potent rushing attack but their offensive line is horrendous. Tannehill will be running for his life in most games and Tampa Bay's pass rush should be in full swing by then.
Bucs Record 5-4
Week 11: at San Francisco 49ers - Loss
A cross-country trip against a dynamic 49ers team spells trouble for the Buccaneers' newfound winning streak. San Francisco is an elite team with playmakers on both sides of the ball and it Tampa Bay is just not on the same level as them. The loss drops them back to .500 for the last time this season.
Bucs Record 5-5
Week 12: at Indianapolis Colts - Win
A post-Thanksgiving game trip to Indy kicks off a run of games the Bucs have a real shot at winning. Indy is going through a mini-rebuild themselves with a mix of veterans and young up-and-coming players on their roster. Led by rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, the Colts will put up a fight but the Bucs prevail.
Bucs Record 6-5
BucsGameday Staff Score Predictions: Tampa Bay Buccaneers At Minnesota Vikings
Week 13: vs Carolina Panthers - Win
With the NFC South within reach, the Buccaneers will need to start stacking up division wins and get their second when the Panthers come to Tampa. Bryce Young is a promising young player but the Panthers are a year or two away from being really competitive in the NFC South.
Bucs Record 7-5
Week 14: at Atlanta Falcons - Win
A trip to Atlanta provides the Bucs another opportunity to rack up division wins. It's a close match-up between two teams in the thick of a division title race, but the Bucs do just enough to squeak out a win and sweep the Falcons on the year.
Bucs Record 8-5
Week 15: at Green Bay Packers - Loss
Coming off a three-game winning streak the Buccaneers are starting to gain some national attention as a surprising team in the league. However a trip up to Green Bay doesn't go the way they hope and they suffer a disappointing loss in the frozen tundra.
Bucs Record 8-6
Week 16: vs Jacksonville Jaguars - Loss
In a matchup between in-state rivals, the Jaguars have all but wrapped up the AFC South division title. While the Bucs need this to keep pace with the Saints. Unfortunately the Jags are able to topple Tampa Bay who have two must win games to seal a division title.
Bucs Record 8-7
Week 17: vs New Orleans Saints - Win
In a huge matchup that will help determine the NFC South Division champion the Bucs host the Saints in Tampa. This is a must-win game for the Buccaneers. After some back and forth throughout the game, Tampa Bay pulls away late to secure their biggest win of the season.
Bucs Record 9-7
Week 18: at Carolina Panthers - Win
With a sweep of the Panthers, the Bucs capture the NFC South Division for the third straight year while securing a playoff spot on Wild Card Weekend. The Buccaneers finish with a winning record and as a surprise team to the national media that counted them out.
Bucs Record 10-7
Buccaneers Finish at 10-7
You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.
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