Rossi’s Bucs 2019 game-by-game predictions 2.0

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Once the draft had come and gone, a “way too early” game-by-game prediction column was published. It forecasted a rough 1-3 start for Tampa Bay and ultimately had them landing at 7-9 on the season. Such a record would be a two-game improvement over the previous Koetter regime, but hardly enough to even be considered a fringe playoff team.

Now let’s take a look at how the 2.0 game by game prediction plays out now that the offseason dust has settled and Tampa Bay has the regular season in its sights. The original predictions can be found HERE for comparison. Let’s dive in!

Week 1: Home vs San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers still have more question marks at this point. A big one being is Jimmy Garoppolo the real deal? This game will also feature the return of linebacker Kwon Alexander in a 49ers uniform, but it is still unclear if he will be cleared in time to play. With that said Arians gets his first win to start off his head coaching career reboot. Bucs win 24-17

Week 2: At The Carolina Panthers, TNF

The Bucs have consistently struggled at two things in recent years: containing mobile quarterback Cam Newton and winning in primetime. That won’t change and the Bucs will get a quick dose of reality, and head into week three, 1-1. Bucs lose, 10-31

Week 3: Home vs New York Giants

Late last season, the Bucs had a matchup versus a Giants team they should have beat but couldn’t get out of their own way. Both Eli Manning and Saquon Barkley both put on a clinic that day. Even though New York’s offense traded away its star receiver Odell Beckham and the quarterback position is somewhat of a question mark, the Giants could still very well steal this one away. Bucs lose, 21-28

Week 4: At The Los Angeles Rams

The Bucs will still head into LA 1-2, and will face an even tougher competition by a Rams team led by Head Coach Sean McVay. The Bucs will more than likely be big underdogs here as they start their five-game span without a true home game. They pick up their third loss here. Bucs lose, 38-17

Week 5: At The New Orleans Saints

The Superdome is still one of the toughest places to play in the NFL. The Bucs have found good fortune though under Jameis Winston‘s tenure when traveling to NOLA. Will Tampa Bay will shock Saints fans in a close one? Not this time. Bucs lose, 18-23

Week 6: “Home” At London/Home vs Carolina Panthers

The Buccaneers play a “home” game in London against the Panthers, and they will be doing so with a 1-4 record. This will be the third total time they have played in London, and have lost all three games. The trend continues as they fall yet again. Bucs lose, 10-24

Week 7:  Bucs Bye Week

At nearly the midway point of the season, the Bucs have an abysmal 1-5 record to show for it. It’s not all bad news for the Arians’ led Bucs team who are getting some much-needed rest after traveling back to the States and have an opportunity to capitalize on some “easier” matchups.

Week 8: At The Tennessee Titans

The Titans and Bucs quarterbacks both have something to prove to their franchises. That they are the long-term solution at quarterback. Winston surely will get his shot to prove it this season, but currently, there is a question if Marcus Mariota will even start this far into the season given his history. Which is why the Bucs could very well be facing quarterback Ryan Tannehill instead. Bucs win, 29-17

Week 9: At Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks have been one of the better teams in recent years, but the Bucs seem to have had their number during that time as well. As they have won the last four-of-five matchups. Even though the Bucs travel back to the west coast for another road game, they get their third win nine weeks in. Bucs win, 24-10

Week 10: Home vs Arizona Cardinals

For the Bucs, the last three matchups versus the Cardinals have not been pretty, but that was when Bruce Arians was running the show in Arizona. Now Arians is playing for the home team. With a rookie head coach and a rookie quarterback possibly starting for Arizona, the Bucs will take this game easily. The Bucs win and get a much-needed confidence boost with a two-game winning streak. Bucs win, 31-17

Week 11: Home vs New Orleans Saints

The Bucs lost their week five matchup in Louisiana to a Drew Brees-led Saints. Bucs even up the year series and win a close one at home and get back to .500. Bucs win, 14-13

Week 12: At Atlanta Falcons

This will be the first time the Bucs have faced off against former head coach Dirk Koetter since he was dismissed at the end of last season. Both teams will want this one bad. Sticking with the original prediction, and in an odd twist, offensive coordinator Koetter finds a way to win a close game. Bucs lose, 24-27

Week 13: At Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars seem to be a mess at the moment. With Nick Foles as the starter and a team that was a shell of itself after getting to the AFC Championship game, this is an opportunity to keep playoff hopes alive. Bucs get back to .500 again and are 6-6 with a win in Duval County. Bucs win, 27-14

Week 14: Home vs Indianapolis Colts

The Colts will have Andrew Luck back, given that he stays healthy, and the Bucs will face a tough test from another playoff team. The Colts will kill any playoff hopes for the Bucs and fall 6-7 on the season. Bucs lose, 28-10

Week 15: At Detroit Lions

Matt Patricia had a rough go of it in his first season as a head coach in the NFL. That won’t change this year with a Lions team still trying to find its way. The Bucs, though, will have little to play for. Bucs lose a tough one on the road. Bucs lose, 17-24

Week 16: Home vs Houston Texans

Deshaun Watson. That’s man chip will make this matchup hard to win on defense. The offense may hit its stride, but it won’t be enough. Bucs lose, 29-33

Week 17: Home vs Atlanta Falcons

This game could have playoff implications for the Falcons, or they may very well have a spot secured or have been eliminated at this point. Either way, the Bucs playoff hopes are a distant memory. Bucs lose, 17-26

2019 Season Record 6-10 

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