3 things the NFL totally got wrong with the Buccaneers 2026 schedule

The Buccaneers’ 2026 schedule certainly has plenty of positives to appreciate, but there are a few negatives worth discussing, as well.

We’ve already discussed the positive aspects of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2026 schedule, so now it’s time to flip over to the other side of the spectrum.

What did the NFL get wrong with the Buccaneers’ 2026 schedule? Let’s discuss.

3 things the NFL totally got wrong with the Buccaneers 2026 schedule

1. Lack of primetime games

I don’t count Thursday Night Football as a primetime game since it’s a mandatory requirement for all 32 teams. Yes, I’m aware it can be taken away during the season, the point still stands, but I digress.

Regardless, the Buccaneers have just two bonafide primetime games on their 2026 schedule: the Bears on Sunday Night Football and Panthers on Monday Night Football.

Sure, the NFL could always flex the Buccaneers into a primetime game, but that only happens maybe once or twice during a season. If at all. The Los Angeles Rams could become a primetime game due to the potential weight of the matchup, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Speaking of the Rams…

2. The Rams…TBD?!?!

Of all the matchups to remain unspecified in terms of kickoff time – this is one of the games the schedule makers listed as such?

It’s impossible to convince me the Browns, Saints, or another team (Falcons) were unable to slot in at that point on the schedule. The only way this is rectified is if it’s flexed into a primetime game!

3. The final four

The Buccaneers’ 2026 schedule, as a whole, can be chalked up as a win. Overall, any team would love to have this particular slate of games.

However, the final four contests of the season are brutal. The Saints appear to be an up-and-coming team after last year’s signs of life and the Rams are one of the NFL’s top Super Bowl contenders heading into the season. The Falcons are the Falcons, but there’s a chance Kevin Stefanski can have them rolling by the team Week 16 comes around.

Three of these four games are obviously NFC South matchups, as well. That’s a tough way to close out the season.

Buccaneers’ full 2026 schedule

• Week 1: Buccaneers at Bengals, 1 p.m. EST
• Week 2: Buccaneers vs. Browns, 1 p.m. EST
• Week 3: Buccaneers vs. Vikings, 4:05 p.m. EST
• Week 4: Buccaneers vs. Packers, 1 p.m. EST
• Week 5: Buccaneers at Cowboys (TNF), 8:15 p.m. EST
• Week 6: Buccaneers vs. Steelers, 1 p.m. EST
• Week 7: Buccaneers at Panthers, 1 p.m. EST
• Week 8: Buccaneers vs. Falcons, 1 p.m. EST
• Week 9: Buccaneers at Chicago (SNF), 8:20 p.m. EST
• Week 10: BYE
• Week 11: Buccaneers at Lions, 1 p.m. EST
• Week 12: Buccaneers vs. Panthers (MNF), 8:15 p.m. EST
• Week 13: Buccaneers vs. Chargers, 1 p.m. EST
• Week 14: Buccaneers at Ravens, 1 p.m. EST
• Week 15: Buccaneers vs. Saints, 1 p.m. EST
• Week 16: Buccaneers at Falcons, TBD
• Week 17: Buccaneers vs. Rams, TBD
• Week 18: Buccaneers at Saints, TBD