Win over half of non-conference games
Outside of the six division games the Buccaneers will play, they have an additional ten non-conference games on their schedule; they must win over half of these games to put themselves in position to compete for the crown with the Panthers, Falcons, and Saints.
With at least six wins before the six games against the division opponents, this will put the Buccaneers in position to make a run at the division crown. Even if the Buccaneers split against the Panthers, Falcons, and Saints, it will give them nine wins in 2019 and given the tough division, that may be just enough.
While the Buccaneers play the NFC champion Los Angeles Rams, the much improved and ready-to-compete Indianapolis Colts, and wildcard winners Seattle Seahawks this year, they also have a plethora of winnable games. Starting the season off with a win over the San Francisco 49ers would be a great way to set the tone for the rest of the season.
Other winnable non-conference games on Tampa Bay’s schedule include the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions. Winning seven non-conference games is not out of the cards for the Buccaneers this upcoming season.