Predicting The Buccaneers Prime Time Matchups

The NFL schedule is set to be released next week. Although we have known the matchups for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for some time, the order of opponents is always important. Knowing who and when teams will play always draws interest and conversation.

Part of that conversation is what teams will be getting the spotlight and which ones won’t. Playing in prime time is an indication that the schedule makers view teams as high caliber. Afterall, you want the most people watching the marquee matchups.

I believe the Bucs are a very good team entering the season. Thus, I expect them to have several prime time games this year. I took a guess at how many games and who the opponents would be.

Philadelphia Eagles

There is a real case to be made that these are the best two teams in the NFC this year. Both teams also bring a track record of recent success having each won a Super Bowl in the last five years and both have been a mainstay in the playoffs. The NFL world should expect this to be a clash of titans and a potential NFC Championship game preview. 

In terms of star power, it will be all over the field. Two great offensive lines, two top ten quarterbacks, two top ten wide receivers, some of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, etc. This will have the look and feel and a pro bowl game with all the star power on the field.

Buffalo Bills

The 2024 MVP going against the 2025 MVP? Only time will tell, but it’s fair to say that both Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield will be in the hunt for the Most Valuable Player award this season. So getting them head to head on the biggest stage is a no brainer. 

This is the best AFC team that the Bucs will play this year. Both are legitimate contenders and this has the potential of being the Super Bowl matchup when it’s all said and done. Get your popcorn ready for this game.

Detroit Lions

These two teams have had battles over the last few seasons. The Lions knocked the Bucs out of the playoffs two years ago, but the Bucs went into Detroit and beat the 15-2 Lions in their house last year. This year the Buccaneers will be going back into the Lion’s den and it should be a great game.

One of these two teams could very well represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. It’s the type of game the NFL should want all eyes on. Don’t be shocked if this is the Thanksgiving Day game that the Lions host every year.

Houston Texans

The Texans are an up and coming team that the world feels ready to root for. They are expected by many to win their division and make the playoffs, just like the Buccaneers. Where things stand now, a lot of people think this will be a good game.

I have doubts with the Texans, but they have earned the spotlight having been to the playoffs and winning a game in the postseason in each of the last two years. They deserve the big stage and the Buccaneers should benefit from that.

Atlanta Falcons

The Bucs played and lost to the Falcons twice last season. However, both were very competitive and entertaining games. And with these two teams being viewed as the best in the NFC South, there are playoff implications that come with this matchup.

The Falcons were favored to win the division last season, but couldn’t overcome a lack of pass rush and poor quarterback play. Now with a pair of first round edge rushers and their first round quarterback from last year taking over the starting job, these games should be even better. One should be highlighted as a prime time game.