Buccaneers schedule 2024: Game-by-game predictions for upcoming season

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' schedule for the 2024 season is finally here. How many games will Todd Bowles' team win this year?

Tampa Bay gets the benefit of playing the Carolina Panthers twice, the Denver Broncos, and the Las Vegas Raiders, but it also has challenging matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and San Francisco 49ers.

Kirk Cousins' arrival makes the Atlanta Falcons contenders in the NFC South. Can the Bucs retain their division title?

Let's break down each game on Tampa Bay's schedule.

Predicting every game on the Buccaneers schedule 2024

Week 1: Tampa Bay vs. Washington

Washington deserves credit for an impressive offseason that could make it a surprise contender in the NFC East. However, Tampa Bay's defense forces rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels into a few mistakes, handing the Bucs the victory at home. Tampa Bay 28, Washington 21 (1-0)

Week 2: Tampa Bay at Detroit

A rematch of last season's divisional-round matchup follows a similar story. The Bucs keep it close in the first half, but ultimately, Dan Campbell's team is too good at home. Detroit 34, Tampa Bay 21 (1-1)

Week 3: Tampa Bay vs. Denver

It feels good to get a win over Sean Payton. Box Nix throws three interceptions in a big-time Buccaneers victory. Tampa Bay 31, Denver 10 (2-1)

Week 4: Tampa Bay vs. Philadelphia

The rematch of last season's NFC Wild Card win doesn't go to plan. Philadelphia struggled down the stretch last year but still has one of the best rosters in the league. Philadelphia 24, Tampa Bay 17 (2-2)

Week 5: Tampa Bay at Atlanta (TNF)

This could be a high-scoring game. Kirk Cousins is the quarterback Atlanta needed to get the ball to its talented receivers, but the Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr. meant passing on the top cornerbacks and edge rushers. It's a fun game, but Atlanta edges it at home. Atlanta 31, Tampa Bay 28 (2-3)

Week 6: Tampa Bay at New Orleans

The Bucs have won three of their past four road games against the Saints. In last year's meeting, they held Derek Carr to just 127 yards and no touchdowns. It will be closer this time, but Tampa Bay wins with a last-second touchdown. Tampa Bay 24, New Orleans 20 (3-3)

Week 7: Tampa Bay vs. Baltimore (MNF)

The Ravens have one of the best rosters in the league. Even the best defenses will struggle to stop an offense featuring Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Baltimore 27, Tampa Bay 21 (3-4)

Week 8: Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta

Yes, the Falcons have improved, but the Bucs' strong run defense shows up while the pass rush does enough to force Kirk Cousins into a couple of mistakes. Tampa Bay comes up with a crucial divisional win and makes up for the road loss. Tampa Bay 23, Atlanta 21 (4-4)

Week 9: Tampa Bay at Kansas City (MNF)

A lot has changed since the Bucs handed Patrick Mahomes his only Super Bowl defeat. Winning in Arrowhead is never easy, and this could be a tough game for Tampa Bay's offense against an outstanding Kansas City defense. Kansas City 28, Tampa Bay 14 (4-5)

Week 10: Tampa Bay vs. San Francisco

The defending NFC champions have stars at seemingly every position. San Francisco has won 54 games over the past five seasons and should again be one of the best teams in the conference. San Francisco 31, Tampa Bay 21 (4-6)

Week 11: BYE

Week 12: Tampa Bay at NY Giants

This is a favorable matchup for the Bucs, who can win with their passing game against the Giants' secondary. New York allowed 23.9 points per game last season and didn't do enough to improve in the offseason. Expect a big game from Mike Evans. Tampa Bay 27, New York 17 (5-6)

Week 13: Tampa Bay at Carolina

Bryce Young threw for 94 yards in the Bucs' last road game against the Panthers. The only way is up for Carolina after an awful 2023 season, but Tampa Bay is easily the better team. Tampa Bay 27, Carolina 7 (6-6)

Week 14: Tampa Bay vs. Las Vegas

It doesn't matter who is starting at quarterback for the Raiders. The Bucs' defense dominates and forces multiple turnovers, leading to an important win. Tampa Bay 24, Las Vegas 14 (7-6)

Week 15: Tampa Bay at LA Chargers

The new-look Chargers will want to run the ball under Jim Harbaugh, which could actually play into the strengths of a Bucs defense that ranked fifth against the run last season. However, unlike previous Chargers teams, Harbaugh helps them find a way to win one-score games. Los Angeles 24, Tampa Bay 21 (7-7)

Week 16: Tampa Bay at Cowboys (SNF)

Only one team has a regular-season road win over Dallas in the past two seasons: Tampa Bay. Tom Brady led the Bucs to a Week 1 win over the Cowboys in 2022. However, a lot has changed since then. Mike McCarthy's team is one of the best in the NFL and is tough to beat at home. Dallas 35, Tampa Bay 17 (7-8)

Week 17: Tampa Bay vs. Carolina

Carolina averaged a league-worst 13.9 points per game last season. Even if we assume there are improvements, this is a game Tampa Bay must win at home. Tampa Bay 24, Carolina 10 (8-8)

Week 18: Tampa Bay vs. New Orleans

Tampa Bay has a surprisingly poor home record against New Orleans, having lost five of its past six. That changes this season. The Saints will likely fall into the eight- or nine-win range again, and the Bucs hold serve in this divisional matchup. Is it enough for a playoff berth? Tampa Bay 24, New Orleans 23 (9-8)

Final record: 9-8

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