The 2025 season was particularly underwhelming for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But there are numerous reasons for the disappointment: Baker Mayfield played injured, Mike Evans and Bucky Irving missed significant time, Chris Godwin Jr. was still recovering from a 2024 injury, etc.
Tampa Bay wasn't used to disappointing fans of late, having exceeded its win total in five of the previous six seasons. Yet the Bucs entered the bye at 6-2 before collapsing down the stretch, with their 5-12 ATS record ranking dead last for the season. Evans is gone, but the rest of the band is back together and ready for redemption, installed as NFC South favorites yet again. -- Kevin Pulsifer
Note: Odds by DK Sports
and subject to change.
2026 outlook: Bucs should be back in playoff contention
The Josh Grizzard experiment failed, so the Buccaneers brought in Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator to right the pirate ship. Robinson, a former NFL quarterback who served as Mayfield's position coach for part of 2022, brings a return to the system that maximized Tampa Bay's offense under then-OC Liam Coen.
Given the change in personnel, however, it remains to be seen how Robinson will implement the offensive facelift.
Mike Evans' departure provides Emeka Egbuka the opportunity to emerge as the Bucs' primary receiver for the future, and he'll likely move around the formation as the team's "Z" option. Godwin, entering the second year of a three-year deal signed in March 2025, figures to remain in the slot. Jalen McMillan rounds out the receiving corps and will probably line up on the perimeter. A solid strength of schedule (12th easiest), renewed health and an invigorated Mayfield should push the squad back into playoff contention. -- Liz Loza
Best bet: Baker Mayfield passing yards OVER 3,599.5 (+100)
Not much went right for Mayfield in 2025. He played through a litany of injuries (PCL, MCL and AC joint sprains), was largely without his two most senior receivers and was under the instruction of a first-time offensive coordinator. Despite the numerous obstacles, Mayfield routinely put the team on his back, seemingly willed production into existence and cleared the above line by 90 yards. He's in a significantly better position this time around, as he is reunited with Robinson, is fully healthy and playing behind a top-five offensive line. -- Loza
