Written by: Ella Brassinga

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After a 10-7 regular season and an NFC South title, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell short in the postseason once again being eliminated by the Washington Commanders after a critical fourth quarter fumble. 

Despite moments of strong execution, the season was defined by inconsistent defense and late game struggles including two overtime losses and a sweep by the division rival the Atlanta Falcons. 

Now entering 2025 with renewed focus, Tampa is looking to build on last year’s foundation and turn close losses into big wins. 

Offseason Moves & Coaching 

  • Head coach Todd Bowles returns for his fourth season, aiming to build on last year’s division title. 

  • After former OC Liam Coen departed to become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Buccaneers promoted Josh Grizzard to OC. 

  • Grizzard, formerly the team’s pass game coordinator, is expected to bring continuity and creativity to the offensive line. His promotion signals confidence in maintaining the offensive system while developing Baker Mayfield in the process. 

Roster Breakdown

Offense:

  • QB Mayfield is coming off a solid year with improved decision making and leadership. His chemistry with key revivers like Chris Godwin and emerging talents has grown. Tampa’s offensive line will be key to keeping Mayfield upright and enabling the run game. 

Skill Players:

OL Concerns:

  • The line must step up, especially in the interior, where pressure disrupted Mayfield last season. Improved protection is key if Tampa hopes to compete deep into the season. 

Defense:

  • When locked in, Tampa’s defense was disruptive, but it struggled with consistency. The pass rush must apply more pressure while the secondary, led by Antoine Winfield Jr. has to tighten up against elite QBs. With a few key adjustments this group has the tools to be dangerous. 

Schedule & Key Matchups

Tampa faces a balanced schedule with plenty of revenge opportunities, including high stakes rematches against the Falcons, Commanders, and 49ers. 

Notable Games:

  • Week 1 @ Falcons: A tone setter on the road against the team that swept them in 2024.

  • Week 6 vs 49ers: Revenge game after a heartbreaker last year. 

  • Week 7 @ Lions: One of the toughest tests on the schedule. 

  • Week 17 @ Dolphins: Could determine playoff seeding. 

  • Week 18 vs Panthers: A potential win and in scenario to close the year. 

Strengths & Risks Heading into 2025

Strengths:

  • Veteran leadership from Mayfield and a battle tested coaching staff. 

  • Improved run pass balance with more offensive diversity.

  • Motivated roster with multiple revenge games and division dominance in their sights.

Risks:

  • Inconsistent defense must find reliability. 

  • Offensive line is still a work in progress.

  • A brutal stretch of road games (at Lions, Bills, Rams) could derail momentum. 

Predictions:

  • Wins: Over 9.5, Under 9.5 at -105 

  • To Make Playoffs: -1600

  • Win Division: +100

  • Conference Winner: +1300

  • Super Bowl Winner: +2800

The Sports Forum’s Expectations

Tampa Bay enters the 2025 season with a chip on its shoulder and a manageable path back to the playoffs. The return of key pieces and a quarterback who has matured under pressure puts them in strong positions to win the division once again. 

If the offensive line gels and the defense takes a step forward, the Buccaneers are capable of making a deep playoff run. They’ll be tested, particularly in road matchups, but with grit, discipline and a little revenge fuel, Tampa has the potential to turn the tide in 2025. 

Win Total: Over/Under 9.5 

The Sports Forum
The Sports Forum