Easiest stretch of the schedule for the Buccaneers in 2020
By Rob Leeds
Looking ahead at the 2020 NFL schedule, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do have some difficult matchups, but the whole season won’t be an uphill battle.
When the official schedule released for the Buccaneers last Thursday, the first thing that must’ve stuck out to fans was the clear absence of a massive streak of away games like last season.
The Bucs had one of the worst schedules in the NFL in 2019, and despite having to face several playoff-contending teams in 2020, the schedule for this upcoming season looks very promising for Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers have their share of tough matchups. Any game against the Saints is an uphill climb. Playing the reigning Super Bowl champions will also be incredibly difficult, even as a home game.
Despite some of these more formidable opponents, Tampa Bay was fortunate to get a solid stretch of easier games in the first half of the season. From week two to week eight, the Bucs have a real chance of winning every game.
Week 2: Carolina Panthers at home
Week 3: Denver Broncos away
Week 4: LA Chargers at home
Week 5: Chicago Bears away
Week 6: Green Bay Packers at home
Week 7: Las Vegas Raiders away
Week 8: New York Giants away
None of these games are a foregone conclusion, but the Buccaneers do have an advantage in each.
As far as the home games are concerned, the Panthers and the Chargers are both trying to reshape their identities after the departure of franchise quarterbacks. Neither of these teams is expected to make massive waves in 2019, but they do have some solid pieces that threaten the Bucs.
The most challenging game at home during this stretch will be against the Green Bay Packers, but the reigning NFC runner up may not be as dominant in 2020 as it was in 2019.
Aaron Rodgers and Matt LeFleur are a poorly matched head coach and quarterback, and any trouble in paradise could derail this season before it even starts for the Packers.
Tampa Bay could realistically go 2-1 at home during this time, and 3-0 is not entirely out of the question.