Teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers now know what to expect for the 2024 season after the schedules for all 32 NFL teams were released.
On September 9, they’ll take on the Washington Commanders at home to start their 2024 campaign. They might so get to play first against Jayden Daniels, the second overall pick in the first round. However, that will just be the first of 17 obstacles they must overcome to return to the postseason.
The Buccaneers won their third consecutive NFC South title last year, surprising most people who had predicted them to win their division. There were a lot of unanswered questions because it was the first season without Tom Brady and the first with Baker Mayfield. However, Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans, a five-time Pro Bowler, began to click early and frequently, propelling them back into the postseason.
The Buccaneers did, of course, capitalize on their weak division. Despite finishing with a 9-8 record, they advanced from the wild card stage to the divisional round by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles handily. But as their season came to an end in front of a boisterous Ford Field crowd, they were no match for the Detroit Lions.
The Buccaneers’ 2024 schedule is ranked as the 11th easiest in the league by Sharp Football Analysis, and they will need to overcome it in order to make the playoffs again. Of course, that’s predicated on the anticipated win totals provided by Vegas oddsmakers. However, Mayfield, Evans, and even Antoine Winfield Jr. will support them as they have all chosen to remain with the team.
The Buccaneers have an advantage both early and late. As for their schedule, only three teams can say they will finish the season with two straight home games in 2024. Additionally, both games are against NFC South opponents (Saints, Panthers), so if the race is close at the end, having home-field advantage in the final two games will help them. Even the first month of the season isn’t too bad for the Buccaneers, as they will play two of their first three games at Raymond James Stadium.
In Week 1 against the Commanders, they at least get to play at home against a potential rookie quarterback. The next week, there will be a replay of last year’s divisional round in Detroit. The Denver Broncos’ Bo Nix, another potential rookie quarterback, will then be back at home. The final game of September is a home game in the wild card matchup against the Eagles.
Thus, the Buccaneers will play a large number of home games at the first and last month of the season; it’s the middle portion of the season that becomes problematic.
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