3 exciting matchups Tampa Bay Buccaneers could open with Week 1

The NFL Draft is in the books, rookie minicamp was a success, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' schedule release is on deck.

Fans will be searching for specific matchups when the schedule is released later this week. When do the Bucs take on the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints? How many primetime games will they play? Is there a Thanksgiving or Christmas game on the schedule?

Also, who's up first?

The Buccaneers have been fast starters in recent seasons, winning their past three Week 1 matchups. Who will they meet in the opener this year? We'd love to see one of these matchups.

Exciting Buccaneers matchups they could open the season with in Week 1

Buccaneers vs. Falcons

How about the Kirk Cousins era kicking off in Tampa Bay?

The Bucs have won three straight NFC South championships and retained most of their key players and coaches. Oh, and they don't have two new quarterbacks learning the playbook and building chemistry with their receivers. Yet the Falcons are given the most love this offseason, not the Bucs.

One way to put an end to that would be to hand Cousins a defeat in his Falcons debut. Atlanta's defense remains a concern, and that's music to the ears of Baker Mayfield, who has an even better receiving corps this season.

Buccaneers at Lions

Begin this season in the same place the last one ended. Mayfield and the Buccaneers understandably have a chip on their shoulders after repeatedly getting overlooked.

The Detroit Lions receive plenty of love for (almost) making the Super Bowl, but don't forget that the Bucs pushed them all the way in the divisional round. It was 10-10 at halftime, and Detroit only won by eight points despite being heavy favorites.

Getting some revenge and upsetting the Lions in Week 1 would be the perfect start to the new season.

Buccaneers vs. 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are the best team in the NFC and will again be Super Bowl contenders this season. This would be a great test for Todd Bowles' team right out of the gate in Week 1. Can they cause an upset?

Starting the season with a win over the 49ers would be the perfect way to silence the doubters and make a statement in Week 1.

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