With the official 2025 NFL schedule reveal on the horizon, Bucs fans are eagerly waiting to see how the 2025 slate will be laid out.
While Tampa Bay has known its list of opponents for months, the real intrigue lies in the when. Key details such as game dates, kickoff times, prime-time slots, and the overall flow of the season still remain unknown. Here are a few things we’re hoping to see when the 2025 schedule drops.
Bucs deserve the Sunday Night Football spotlight
Outside of the Brady era, the Buccaneers have played in just two SNF games over the decade. Last season, the Bucs were granted just one SNF game, and it was initially an afternoon game against the Dallas Cowboys that was later flexed, mainly so the league can further showcase their media darlings in Dallas, not the Bucs.
Understandably, SNF is the marquee slate of the week, and for a long time the Bucs didn’t have the market size or team success to demand the national spotlight.
But now, the Bucs have earned their due. They’ve reached the playoffs in five consecutive seasons, and won the NFC South four seasons in a row. They have a star-studded group led by Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Tristan Wirfs.
The Bucs deserve more chances in the league’s marquee slate. Looking at the team’s 2025 opponents on paper, the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills immediately stand out as two matchups that would make for a great SNF game.
Late BYE Week, and Thanksgiving as the only Thursday game
In relation to the Bucs being kept out of the Sunday night spotlight, when they do get a prime time game, it’s often the Thursday or Monday slot.
Monday nights are fine, as it gives the team an extra day to rest and prepare for the matchup, but Thursday nights are something that we’d like to see Tampa Bay avoid when they can.
Thursday nights are the worst games for the players, as they’re played on a short week with minimal recovery time and preparation.
The Bucs are winless in Thursday Night Football games under head coach Todd Bowles, going 0-3 in those games.
The Bucs are reportedly heading to Los Angeles on Thanksgiving in Week 13 this year to play in front of a national audience—and we’ll let that one slide for the holiday tradition, but here’s hoping that it’s the only Thursday game the Bucs have to play in 2025.
Additionally, a Week 12 bye ahead of the Thanksgiving game would give Tampa Bay an extended rest, negating the short week typically caused by a Thursday game. With that timing, the Bucs would enter Thanksgiving well-rested and also benefit from a mini-bye afterwards, with 10 days off before their next game in Week 14.
No brutal stretches akin to the 2024 schedule
In 2024, the Bucs faced a brutal four-game stretch against playoff contenders—playing the Ravens, Falcons, Chiefs, and 49ers consecutively, and went 0-4 in those games.
The Bucs have some tough matchups on the 2025 slate including the Lions, Bills, Eagles, and Texans. It would be ideal if the schedule-makers could avoid packing those difficult games together as they did last season.
The schedule is set to be officialy revealed tonight at 8 p.m. EST. Until then, we've got you covered with live updates as you wait for the official release.
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