The NFL season is looking to start roughly on schedule as summer is just around the corner. It’s that time of year where people make their early NFL predictions for the chance they look like a psychic in the winter.
I like to think I’m one of those people. Early predictions, especially ones in the spring, are a favorite of mine. I’m not a liar, but if I had a dollar for every ‘I told you so’ moment to my dad post-Super Bowl, I’d be living like Jeff Bezos.
What better way to start my early predictions by diving into the schedule of the NFL’s most interesting team of the 2020-21 season: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Who would’ve thought that the G.O.A.T. would take his talents from Foxborough to a franchise that hasn’t tasted the postseason since I was four years old (I’m 17)? Plus, Gronk comes out of bed to create arguably the best receiving corps in the game. If I were a defensive coach, I wouldn’t be able to sleep knowing that my DBs would match up against Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, O.J. Howard, and Gronk all on one play. Oh, and by the way, Brady is delivering the pigskin through the air.
With that being said, let’s take a look at the Bucs’ schedule for the coming year by predicting the win-loss outcome of every game with a bit of analysis and imagination to back up my claim.
September
September will be a rocky month for the Buccaneers. I expect chemistry issues right off the bat. Brady will have to get used to new weapons and a new system pretty fast if Super Bowl dreams are in the franchise’s future. It doesn’t help that a global pandemic is changing the way teams prepare for their upcoming seasons. It’ll take more than just Zoom meetings for Brady to click with his receivers.
at New Orleans – Loss
Although the Saints have struggled in home openers in recent seasons, I believe the Buccaneers’ chemistry issues will outweigh the Saints’ 2-4 home opener record since 2014. The Saints are basically the same team as last season plus the edition of solid veteran players, WR Emmanuel Sanders and S Malcolm Jenkins, who will fit in with ease. Compare that to a team that has to move on from the syle of play of Jameis Winston to form a whole new offense with Brady.
Also, according to officials in charge of operating the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, they’re looking at creative ways where they can safely allow fans to enjoy the games in-person. The sound of desperate fans dying of sports will blow through the dome, causing more troubles for the Bucs.
vs Carolina – Win
Game number two for the Buccaneers is their home opener. It’s also another division game, however, in this exhibition, the Bucs come out on top. If Tampa has issues regarding chemistry, so should Carolina. The Panthers have a new quarterback in Teddy Bridgwater, a new coaching staff, and many young players that need to gel. The fans won’t let the team down, as the atmosphere will be electric for their first home game in the Brady era.
at Denver – Loss
This 4:25 PM ET event was one of the toughest games for me to decide a victor. After a lot of time spent thinking, I’m going to give this game to Denver. Mile High Stadium is a tough place to play football for visiting squads. For Brady, the Broncos are the only team he has a losing record against (8-9, including postseason). Many of those losses went down in Denver.
The Broncos played the offseason well by drafting WR Jerry Jeudy and signing RB Melvin Gordon. These pieces, alongside potential star WR Courtland Sutton, will help second-year QB Drew Lock shockingly out-duel Brady. I also expect Von Miller and the loaded Denver defense to cause frustration for Tampa’s offense to close out the month.
October
With September in the past, the Bucs will have solved the majority of their chemistry issues. This month will be the official start of “Tompa Bay.” Brady’s high IQ and coachability will glue the offense together into one of the league’s best. They’ll also see two NFC North matchups, a division Brady is 17-3 (.850) against. This month also sees two AFC West matchups, which have challenged the future HOF with a record of 29-16 (.644). Luckily, these two teams are the weakest of the four.
vs Los Angeles C. – Win
I see this game being the first time that the Buccaneers really show signs of their offensive firepower. The Chargers have a talented unit on the other side of the ball that will cause a slow start for the Bucs’ offense. Though, later in the game, TB12 will feel more comfortable trusting the abilities of his teammates outside of his old pal Gronk. It also doesn’t help that we don’t know who the starting QB of Los Angeles will be and the franchise’s goal in terms of winning this season. This will allow Tampa to pull away in the second half and win by at least a touchdown.
at Chicago – Win
Brady has never lost to the Bears in his long career (5-0), and I don’t see it happening in this Thursday night matchup. Yet another week where the Bucs have to battle an elite defense. However, the Bears lack offensive weapons to compete with the Bucs. I don’t know who’s going to be under center for the Bears to lead their subpar offensive squad, but they do have Khalil Mack to at least keep it somewhat close.
vs Green Bay – Win
The Buccaneers have ten days to prepare for Aaron Rodgers and young HC Matt LaFleur. This game being at Lambo Field would’ve been the only reason why I’d consider giving the Packers the edge over the Bucs. However, Tampa hosts this contest, therefore, Brady receives his second career victory against Mr. Rodgers.
Look, the cheeseheads are an overrated football club. In terms of the current Packers, it seems that they took a dump on the draft instead of capitalizing on the deep WR selection to benefit their aging leader. Davante Adams will be the only reliable outlet for Rodgers as the top rush defense leaves the run game with no air to breathe. I see the Bucs controlling the time of possession with a rushing attack to send the Pack back to Wisconsin.
at Las Vegas – Win, at New York G. – Win (November)
Tom Brady is heading to Vegas and Broadway in primetime, and he’s the main event. Now, I grouped these two games together despite the battle in New York being in November because I expect roughly the same outcomes. These two teams had terrible secondaries last season. Only the Miami Dolphins ranked lower in pass defense. Although the two franchises made some upgrades to help, I don’t think they’re substantial enough to clamp multiple Pro Bowl pass catchers who are playing with one of the game’s top QBs.
November
November is the longest month of play for the team. A total of five games will take place. After taking a light stroll down Central Park, the Bucs have scheduled, a majority at home, four hard-fought games which include two former Super Bowl MVP QBs and two divisional opponents. These contests will definitely test Tampa as we inch closer to winter.
vs New Orleans – Win
In their third-straight nationally-televised game, the Buccaneers will meet the Saints again. This showdown holds a lot of pressure on Tampa to win because if they lose, their future game against the AFC favorite, Kansas City Chiefs, won’t hold much weight if the Bucs prove they can’t survive their division.
In the second Brady vs. Brees of the season, Tom Terrific steps up to the plate and hits a homer. They’ve already faced this squad, but now they have rhythm and home-field. If I want to get deep in predictions: the Saints will shutout the run game for the Bucs, forcing Brady to throw the most pass attempts he will all year.
He won’t back down from the challenge and will deliver multiple touchdowns. However, Brees is an all-time fighter. He’ll respond to Brady’s blows with jabs of his own. Fortunately, the Bucs’ defense will snag a huge late turnover and win by no more than a touchdown.
I can’t wait to stay up on a school night and procrastinate my homework to witness this exciting game.
at Carolina – Loss
After an emotional NFC South victory, the Buccaneers travel up to Carolina to get punched in the gut. The Bucs defense will have a rare slip-up that will bring their worst game to RB Christian McCaffrey. The Panthers are a more sound team since the Week Two matchup, and it shows. This game means more to them because they’re on the outside looking in, in the standings.
vs Los Angeles R. – Win
To start a three-game home stretch, the Buccaneers have another bounce-back performance against a Los Angeles team. The Rams have one of the worst offensive lines in football. This Monday Night game will show Jared Golf being harrassed by an elite front seven. The constant pressure will get to him, leading to a few interceptions. It’ll feel like déjà vu for the Rams.
vs Kansas City – Loss
This game can go one of two ways. If the Bucs can control the time of possession by pounding the rock, they have a high chance of winning. However, I feel the second outcome is more likely. I expect a shootout where the Bucs offense shows near their true potential. They’ll go toe-to-toe with the Chiefs track team. This game will be high scoring and extremely fun. Ultimately, the Chiefs will pull away late due to concerns I have with the Bucs’ secondary.
Despite having home-field advantage, this isn’t a bad loss at all for Tampa. They get a taste of the best competition from the other conference.
December & January
Looking at the remaining schedule, it isn’t so tough. The Buccaneers have four exhibitions left following a bye. Their toughest opponent on paper is thrown at them first. Also, they play the terrible Detroit Lions and the worst NFC South team twice to close out the year.
vs Minnesota – Win
The Vikings’ roster is loaded with talent on both sides of the football. However, the team lost multiple notable CBs this offseason. With ten days of preparation, Tom Brady will expose the lack of depth at that position.
Also, good news for 2019 sack leader Shaquil Barrett, the Vikings have a mediocre offensive line. He’ll lead his unit to pressure Cousins intensely. The onslaught of red jerseys doesn’t get any better when one of your weapons leaves for Buffalo.
at Atlanta – Loss
On the road in Atlanta, I feel like this game will be a shocker. In the past few seasons, the Falcons have played the NFC South well. For example, last season, the Falcons held the juggernaut Saints under double-digits in their first meeting. I didn’t see a 26-9 score coming. Also, they stunned the San Fransico 49ers, who later went on to be the NFC Champions. If I have to be specific on how the game goes, Matt Ryan constructs a game-winning drive.
Depending on the Saints’ success, this loss could potentially cause the Buccaneers to lose out on a division title.
at Detroit – Win
The last time Brady went head-to-head with former coach Matt Patricia, the Lions blasted the then-Patriot. This time will be different. Patricia isn’t scheming against Brady and Belichick. He has to work against Brady in a whole new system. Also, the Lions just aren’t good, and they haven’t been in some time. Add in Matthew Stafford’s health problems, and you have a win for Tampa.
vs Atlanta – Win (January)
In a revenge game, the Buccaneers will most likely handle the Falcons comfortably. No one for Tampa will be sitting out this last game. The Bucs secure the dub to clinch a playoff berth and a high seed in the new format.
Regular Season Record: 11-5
Final Thoughts
These were my early 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ record predictions. Is 11-5 good enough to top the NFC South? I don’t know. What I do know is that the record guarantees the Buccaneers their first postseason trip in over a decade.
I’m excited to see if my early take on Brady’s first year in Tampa will pan out in my favor.
Do you agree with my takes? Do you wonder what I predict the outcome of your team’s regular season will be? Let me know by messaging me on my Twitter or Instagram.