Three Buccaneers Games Most Likely To Get Flexed
By James Yarcho
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ schedule was released tonight. Although they have two prime-time games, there is certainly room for more.
Prime-time games in the NFL are reserved for winners. Playoff contenders. Defending champions. With the recent news that the Buccaneers were going to be featured on “Hard Knocks”, they appear to be a team on the rise. However, despite coming of a 9-7 season, they were only awarded the same number of prime-time games they received coming off a 6-10 performance in 2015.
Compare that to the Eagles, who finished 7-9, and were awarded five prime-time games. Yes, the NFC East bias is real, folks.
More from Bucs News
- Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
- Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
- Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
- The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
- Todd Bowles admits he only looks at three things on Bucs schedule
Now, the Buccaneers received some flex appreciation last season, including a Sunday Night Football matchup in Dallas. There are some intriguing games this year that could render the same results, whether it’s a 4:25 p.m. flex or a Sunday night game.
3.) Week 14 – vs. Detroit Lions, Dec. 10
The Lions are coming off a playoff season and things are certainly trending up. This game could have major playoff implications given the NFC South vs. NFC North mathups this season. These two teams could very well be battling it out for a wild card spot while still in the hunt for division titles. No, Detroit and Tampa Bay don’t exactly scream “sexy” to NFL prime-time spots, but this one could be moved into the 4:25 p.m. national spot on FOX if playoff hopes are on the line.
2.) Week 16 – at Carolina Panthers, Dec. 24
If the Panthers have a bounce back year, there could be a three team race for the NFC South crown between the Panthers, the defending NFC Champion Falcons, and the Buccaneers. Cam Newton vs. Jameis Winston will make for compelling television (there’s a reason this was a Monday Night game last season) and the national stage would be a strong possibility if these two teams are in a must-win situation to get in all the while eliminating the other. Nothing drives ratings quite like do-or-die football. Don’t be surprised if this is a Sunday Night spectacle.
1.) Week 13 – at Green Bay Packers, Dec. 3
The frozen tundra of Lambeau Field screams prime time. Right now, that game is slated to be Philadelphia Eagles and the Seattle Seahawks. If the Eagles are out of it while the Packers and Bucs are in the thick of the hunt, this one could be moved. The Packers always move the dial and watching Aaron Rodgers with his squad take on Winston, Mike Evans, and DeSean Jackson is a fantasy football ratings spike. This one was somewhat surprising to not be in prime-time to begin with, but there’s a solid chance at the bare minimum this game gets the Joe Buck/Troy Aikman 4:25 p.m. national FOX broadcast treatment.
Next: Walking The Plank Podcast: It's A Hard Knock Life
Which games do you think could be flexed? What games are you most looking forward to? Sound off in the comments!