What are the 2026 Buccaneers’ easiest games? In taking a closer look at the Buccaneers’ schedule this season, the NFL did Tampa Bay many favors. Tampa Bay has its toughest games of the season spread throughout the schedule, with unintentional ‘breaks’ between monster games in 2026. For instance, Tampa’s toughest games, at Chicago in Week 9 and Detroit Lions in Week 11, have the bye week in between.
Even two tougher nonconference games with the Los Angeles Chargers (Week 13) and Baltimore Ravens (Week 14) are home and away tilts. ESPN has a bearish look at the Bucs for 2026, predicting a 9-8 season. We take a closer look at the Buccaneers’ schedule in this in-depth look.
2026 Buccaneers Easiest Games
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Easiest Games for 2026 (ranked in ease of projected win)
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Sunday, September 20 HOME Cleveland Browns (CBS)
The Buccaneers return home after opening the season at the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns still have a talented defense after trading away Myles Garrett, netting Jared Verse in return. This still is the Browns, however. Considering the team will either start Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders, the offense shouldn’t scare anyone. The Bucs revamped defense should pose challenges for the Browns’ offense, and this should be an easy win.
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Sunday, September 27 HOME Minnesota Vikings (FOX)
The Bucs remain home for Week 3 and host the Vikings, a team that could potentially surprise many in the very tough NFC North. Justin Jefferson is a stud, but the Buccaneers secondary will be ready for the task, considering the upgraded pass rush is going to stress whoever Minnesota starts at quarterback. If that is Kyler Murray, his jittery feet will be his downfall. If J.J. McCarthy starts, his inexperience in handling defensive pressure plays into the Bucs’ hands.
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Sunday, December 20 HOME New Orleans Saints (FOX)
With the Week 14 (December 13) game in Baltimore, the Buccaneers will certainly be challenged. Returning home to face the Saints in Week 15 could find the Saints out of the playoff race. The Saints will likely be sellers at the trade deadline after a mediocre start to the season, and that helps Tampa’s cause. It is hard to imagine the likes of Alvin Kamara lasting in New Orleans past the trade deadline.
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Sunday, November 1 HOME Atlanta Falcons (FOX)
Tampa is at Carolina the week before, and returning home for the Falcons will be welcomed. Atlanta does not give Buccaneers fans cause for concern, particularly considering the uncertainty around Atlanta’s starting quarterback. Neither Tua Tagovailoa nor Michael Penix Jr. will be a difference-maker for the Falcons in this easier matchup.
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Sunday, December 27 @ Atlanta Falcons (TBD)
Tampa’s second game with the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16 is another easier matchup. The week before, the Buccaneers are home with the Saints, and then heading to the Falcons for their second straight NFC South tilt is important. The Buccaneers will have the NFC South lead by then. The Falcons may already be in a rebuilding state of mind at this point in the season.
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Sunday, January 10 @ New Orleans Saints (TBD)
The season finale will be Tampa Bay’s opportunity to cement its playoff seeding. Yes, Tampa Bay faces a daunting task in Week 17, hosting the Los Angeles Rams. The Saints, however, will likely not be playing for a playoff berth.
2026 Buccaneers Easiest Games: Easiest Stretch
- Sunday, December 20 HOME New Orleans Saints (FOX)
- Sunday, December 27 @ Atlanta Falcons (TBA)
This is a pretty easy choice to make as Tampa Bay’s easiest stretch in the schedule. The pair of NFC South games is bookended by a Week 14 game at the Baltimore Ravens and a Week 17 game at home against the Los Angeles Rams, predicted by experts to likely finish 12-5 this season.
