“Way Too Early” Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Schedule Predictions: NFL Writer Predicts Six Wins for Bucs in 2013

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

This is the first in a series of early schedule breakdowns for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2013. We understand it is too early to have a good idea as to the composition of the roster. This is strictly for fun, and to show possible ways the season can unfold.

The following breakdown is a look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2013 schedule through the eyes of Who Dat Dish and Bleacher Report NFL writer Chris Roling. As a fellow Fansided editor for an NFC South team (the New Orleans Saints), Chris gives us his thoughts on how the Buccaneers match up with their current roster against the teams they face this upcoming season.

Here are Chris’ thoughts on the Bucs’ schedule:

Week 1 – at New York Jets 1 PM Sunday Sept. 8

Buccaneers win – The New York Jets are in a full-blown rebuilding phase, so it’s a nice warm-up game for Tampa Bay—on the road or not. The Jets don’t have much to fear on offense and an upgraded Bucs defense with Dashon Goldson should get the job done.

Week 2 – vs. New Orleans Saints 4:05 Sunday Sept. 15

Buccaneers win – Tampa Bay will have a slight edge as the Saints attempt to adjust to a new defense. Vincent Jackson and Co. could have a field day against a unit still learning the ropes.

Week 3 – at New England Patriots 1 PM Sunday Sept. 22

Buccaneers lose – Tampa Bay doesn’t have enough on defense as of now to stop Tom Brady’s aerial attack.

Week 4 – vs. Arizona Cardinals 1 PM Sunday Sept. 29

Buccaneers win – Arizona has a new QB in Carson Palmer, but the offensive line is still a major issue. Tampa should be able to force some mistakes and squeak out a win in a low-scoring contest.

Week 5 – Bye Week

Week 6 – vs. Philadelphia Eagles 1 PM Sunday Oct. 13

Buccaneers lose – It’s hard to predict how Chip Kelly’s offense will translate to the NFL, but as of now the team is as unpredictable as they come. Coming off a bye, the Buccaneers could be in a position to be surprised.

Week 7 – at Atlanta Falcons 1 PM Sunday Oct. 20

Buccaneers lose – Not many teams are going to be able to contend with the Falcons this year. That includes the Buccaneers. Atlanta has done nothing but improve this offseason.

Week 8 – vs. Carolina Panthers 8:25 Thursday Night Football Oct. 24

Buccaneers win – The Panthers were miserable a year ago and have not had the cap space to make any improvements. Tampa’s owe should put on a show and the defense should limit Cam Newton’s ground attack.

Week 9 – at Seattle Seahawks 4:05 PM Sunday Nov. 3

Buccaneers lose – Seattle has a scary new pass rush with Cliff Avril and Co. that could give Tampa some problems. Accounting for Percy Harvin and a plethora of weapons on offense will prevent a tough challenge as well.

Week 10 – vs. Miami Dolphins 8:40 Monday Night Football Nov. 11

Buccaneers lose – Ryan Tannehill quietly had a solid campaign last year and should be even better this year. Mike Wallace is going to cause issues for the Tampa Bay secondary, and a new-look Miami defense has the makings of a solid unit.

Week 11 – vs. Atlanta Falcons 1 PM Sunday Nov. 17

Buccaneers lose – Even at home, it’s going to be an issue for the Buccaneers to stay competitive against Atlanta. Matt Ryan has too much firepower and Tampa Bay still has questions in the secondary.

Week 12 – at Detroit Lions 1 PM Sunday Nov. 24

Buccaneers lose – Tampa Bay does not have a way to contain Calvin Johnson (not that any team does). It’ll probably be a low-scoring contest here, but the Buccaneers don’t have enough in crunch time against Megatron and Co.

Week 13 – at Carolina Panthers 1 PM Sunday Dec. 1

Buccaneers win – Tampa Bay finally gets a win after four straight losses. Carolina won’t have too many marks in the win column at this point of the season, so Josh Freeman and Co. will be able to take advantage.

Week 14 – vs. Buffalo Bills 1 PM Sunday Dec. 8

Buccaneers win – The Bucs get a second win in a row here against a team starting a rookie…or Kevin Kolb. The Buccaneers offense should have a major day against a soft defense.

Week 15 – vs. San Francisco 49ers 1 PM Sunday Dec. 15

Buccaneers lose – San Francisco is too physical in all phases for the Bucs. Tampa Bay won’t have an answer for Colin Kaepernick. On offense, Josh Freeman is going to have problems finding passing lanes against the NFL’s best defense, not to mention just staying upright.

Week 16 – at St. Louis Rams 1 PM Sunday Dec. 22

Buccaneers lose – St. Louis was quietly a quality team last year, taking some of the NFL’s best (49ers) down to the wire more than once. Expect St. Louis to be even better this year. Tampa Bay will struggle covering Jared Cook and the Bucs’ offense will have issues against one of the NFL’s best cornerback tandems in Cortland Finnegan and Janoris Jenkins.

Week 17 – at New Orleans Saints 1 PM Sunday Dec. 29

Buccaneers lose – Now that the Saints have had a full season to adapt to a new scheme (not to mention revenge on their minds), New Orleans should give the Bucs some serious issues in what could turn out to be a major game. The Drew Brees aerial attack will be as strong as ever, but expect the Bucs offense to struggle against a Rob Ryan defense coming together.

Final Record: 6-10