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[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

NFL Week 1 Opening Odds: Buccaneers at Falcons

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are opening their season Sunday at Atlanta against the Falcons. This matchup will pin two of the NFC South division’s Top 2 teams and depending on who you ask the division champion will be either of these two hitting the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. So what are the oddsmakers thinking of the regular season opener between the Bucs and the Falcons?

Per FanDuel, Tampa Bay is a 2.5-point favorite in Atlanta for the first week of the 2025 regular season.

Point spread: Bucs -2.5
Point total: 47.5
Moneyline: Bucs -132, Falcons +112

The Buccaneers are coming off their fourth straight division title after posting a 10-7 record in 2024. Atlanta finished in second place, two games behind Tampa Bay. Both teams made improvements this past offseason and will look to better each other and be a game up early on following the opening week of 2025.

The game between the Bucs and Falcons is scheduled for Sunday with kickoff set for 1:00 PM ET.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...egular-season-opening-odds-buccaneers-falcons

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers extend OT Goedeke

The Buccaneers made the pivotal move of extending stalwart right tackle Luke Goedeke on a four-year deal Tuesday.

Originally reported by Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the NFL Network provided additional details of it being $90 million over 4 years — a $22.5 million APY with $50 million guaranteed.

Bucs have agreed to a four year extension with T Luke Goedeke.

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) September 2, 2025

Goedeke, who was slated for free agency next year, receives the third-highest deal for a right tackle in all of football, and it’s become well-deserved. Originally entering the league as a second-round pick from Central Michigan in 2022, the Bucs initially planned for him to replace Ali Marpet at left guard but that backfired immensely when Goedeke was one of the worst in the league. An end-of-season move back to his original right tackle position yielded much more encouraging results, and he’s ascended to one of the NFL’s best in that timeframe.

The 26-year-old is now poised to be in Tampa Bay through the 2029 season, which aligns with All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs. Wirfs, also 26, just signed an extension last August that made him one of the NFL’s highest-paid offensive linemen. Arguably a top-2 overall tackle tandem, the Bucs have created excellent protection for quarterback Baker Mayfield as he looks to continue his career-best stretch of play.

As a whole, the Bucs’ offensive line is all under contract for multiple seasons. Cody Mauch’s rookie deal runs through 2027, Graham Barton’s through 2028 (2029 if the fifth-year option is excercised), and Ben Bredeson through 2028.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers-news/65127/buccaneers-extend-ot-goedeke

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers release their first depth chart of the 2025 regular season

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers unveiled their official Week One depth chart Tuesday—highlighted by rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka immediately earning a starting spot in his debut season.

Offense sees veteran Mike Evans leading at wide receiver, joined by Ryan Miller. However, due to Chris Godwin’s continued rehab and Jalen McMillan’s preseason neck injury, Egbuka is poised to start alongside Evans, with Tez Johnson also listed among the top options. In the trenches, with left tackle Tristan Wirfs likely missing the opener, Ben Chukwuma will serve as the swing tackle while second-year lineman Elijah Klein will also be ready to go. The offensive line core remains intact, featuring Barton, Bredeson, Mauch, and others.

On defense, inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis earns a starting nod for the first time, while safety Tykee Smith partners with Antoine Winfield, Jr. It’ll also be the debut of new Bucs outside linebacker Haason Reddick.

Special teams see Riley Dixon named punter, with Chase McLaughlin handling placekicking and kickoffs. Emeka Egbuka also joins the special teams group as a designated returner alongside Rachaad White. However, it’ll be Kameron Johnson as the designated punt returner while also serving as a kickoff returner with running back Sean Tucker.

With key skill-position injuries and rookies stepping up, Tampa Bay’s depth chart sets an intriguing tone for Week One.

Check out the full depth chart below via Buccaneers.com. (Rookies marked with *.)

OFFENSE

WR: Mike Evans, Ryan Miller

WR: Chris Godwin, Sterling Shepard, Kameron Johnson

LT: Tristan Wirfs, Charlie Heck

LG: Ben Bredeson, Elijah Klein

C: Graham Barton

RG: Cody Mauch

RT: Luke Goedeke, Benjamin Chukwuma *

WR: Emeka Egbuka *, Tez Johnson *

TE: Cade Otton, Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, Devin Culp

QB: Baker Mayfield, Teddy Bridgewater

RB: Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, Sean Tucker, Josh Williams *

DEFENSE

DL: Calijah Kancey

NT: Vita Vea, Greg Gaines

DL: Logan Hall, Elijah Roberts *

OLB: Yaya Diaby, Chris Braswell, Markees Watts

ILB: SirVocea Dennis, John Bullock *

ILB: Lavonte David, Deion Jones

OLB: Haason Reddick, Anthony Nelson

CB: Jamel Dean, Benjamin Morrison *, Kindle Vildor

CB: Zyon McCollum, Jacob Parrish *, Josh Hayes

S: Antoine Winfield Jr., Christian Izien, Rashad Wisdom

S: Tykee Smith, Kaevon Merriweather

SPECIALISTS

P: Riley Dixon

PK: Chase McLaughlin

KO: Chase McLaughlin

H: Riley Dixon

LS: Evan Deckers

PR: Kameron Johnson, Tez Johnson *, Emeka Egbuka *, Rachaad White

KR: Sean Tucker, Josh Williams, Emeka Egbuka *

KR: Kameron Johnson, Rachaad White, Tez Johnson *

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...eason-depth-chart-emeka-egbuka-haason-reddick

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Bucs announce team captains for the 2025 season

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers officially announced their team captains for the upcoming season, confirming a leadership core steeped in experience and consistency.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Mike Evans, and inside linebacker Lavonte David once again head the captain list. All three will don the gold “C” patch, signifying that each has served as a team captain for five or more seasons. Evans’ selection marks his ninth year as a captain, while David continues his extraordinary run of leadership, now reaching a 12-year streak.

Joining them are left tackle Tristan Wirfs, defensive lineman Vita Vea, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr., all of whom have also held captain roles for at least three seasons, providing vital continuity across the roster.

Head coach Todd Bowles praised the selections as a reflection of stability and respect within the locker room—including a blend of long-tenured icons and emerging seasoned leaders—setting a strong tone as the Buccaneers embark on their 50th NFL season.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...eason-baker-mayfield-lavonte-david-mike-evans

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers Reacts Survey: 2025 Regular Season Kickoff

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Buccaneers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/general/65124/buccaneers-reacts-survey-nfl-regular-season-kickoff

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Davy Jones’ Locker: Buccaneers vs Falcons Q&A with The Falcoholic

With the Buccaneers just days away from opening up their season in Atlanta against the division rival Falcons, they will be looking for some revenge after being swept last year. Both teams would love nothing more than to start off the 2025 season on the right note. To help break down this Falcons team, we spoke with Saivion Mixson of The Falcoholic to give us a closer look at this macthup.

1. We are now entering the first full season with Michael Penix Jr at the helm for Atlanta. What are the expectations for him this season and how confident are you in his potential as a franchise quarterback?​

“There are going to be growing pains. There’s no way around it. He’s a gunslinger, so he’s going to spray some throws, force a few into traffic, and make a couple of “rookie” decisions. That’s natural for a guy with just three starts under his belt who’s still adjusting to NFL speed.

But make no mistake: the kid is special. His arm talent is already top 10 in the league, and his feel for throws outside the numbers is elite. He’s got the juice to hit explosive plays downfield and the athleticism to avoid negative ones. This season, I expect the usual peaks and valleys of a young quarterback, but his ceiling as a franchise QB is limitless. “

2. The Falcons had the Bucs number last season, sweeping the season series. From Atlanta’s perspective, what went right in those games to come out victorious?​

“Last year, Kirk Cousins was surgical against Tampa. According to NFL Pro, he posted his two best games of the season versus the Bucs, generating 0.41 and 0.37 EPA per dropback. Elite numbers when you consider that MVP candidate Lamar Jackson led the league at 0.29.

That’s exactly why Cousins was brought in: to deliver in big games like those. But as the season wore on, the consistency disappeared, and Atlanta needed a quarterback who could create more on his own. That opened the door for Penix, and now this matchup looks a whole lot different. “

3. What was the Falcons biggest need this offseason? Do you think it was properly addressed?​

“The biggest need was easy: pass rush. Atlanta simply wasn’t affecting quarterbacks enough, and they went out and swung big. Landing Jalon Walker in the draft and adding James Pearce Jr. gives them two blue-chip pieces to build around.

Now, whether it was ‘properly’ addressed is where it gets tricky. I’m never a fan of giving up first-round picks unless you’re already in a Super Bowl window. But I get it, this front office is betting on itself. If it works, it could transform the defense overnight. If it doesn’t, Terry Fontenot won’t be around to feel the consequences. “

4. When looking at this matchup, what do you think is the biggest X factor in this game and why?​

“The X-factor is right tackle Elijah Wilkinson against this Buccaneers pass rush. If Wilkinson can hold up on the edge, it changes everything. Last season, the Bucs were 0-3 in games where they blitzed under 25%, including both losses to Atlanta.

If Penix gets time and the Falcons can keep Bowles’ pressure packages in check, Atlanta has a real shot to control this one.“

5. The Bucs are currently favored in the game by a very small margin. What is your score prediction for this one?​

“Everything says to take Tampa. They’ve owned the South for four straight years, and they’re built to make it five.

But at some point, the torch has to pass, and I think Sunday is that moment. Give me the Falcons, 27-23, in a statement win. “

The games are always exciting when these two teams meet, and we’ll see what Sunday has in store for this matchup. Thanks so much to Saivion for doing this!

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/general/...-buccaneers-vs-falcons-qa-with-the-falcoholic

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Zyon McCollum earns contract extension

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today that the team has signed cornerback Zyon McCollum to a multi-year contract extension.

McCollum has appeared in 47 career games, with 29 starts, since being selected by Tampa Bay in the fifth round (No. 157 overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He has also appeared in all four of Tampa Bay’s postseason contests over that span. To date, McCollum has recorded 163 career tackles, 27 passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

McCollum has decreased his completion percentage allowed and his passer rating when targeted across each of his three seasons played, culminating in career-best marks in 2024 with a 58.4% completion rate allowed and an 85.7 passer rating allowed. Last season, McCollum also posted career highs in tackles (82), passes defensed (17) and interceptions (2). During the 2024 season, his 17 passes defensed tied for the third-most in the NFL.

“Zyon has developed into an every-down starter for us and continues to elevate his game each year,” said Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht. “His athleticism, paired with his ability to limit opposing receivers, gives us a dependable and dynamic defender in the secondary. We are excited to keep an ascending player like Zyon in Tampa as we continue building around a young, talented core.”

Despite defending the third-most pass attempts in the NFL in 2024 (101 targets), according to Next Gen Stats, McCollum ranked fifth in lowest completion percentage when targeted (58.4%) and ninth in lowest opponent passer rating allowed (85.7). Per Pro Football Focus metrics, among cornerbacks with at least 1,000 snaps played in 2024, McCollum was the seventh-highest rated cornerback in the NFL in 2024.

A native of Galveston, Texas, McCollum played collegiately at Sam Houston State (2017-21), where he appeared in 56 career games and earned First-Team All-Conference honors three times (All-Southland 2018, 2020; All-Western Athletic Conference 2021).

(Courtesy of the Buccaneers Communications Department.)

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...aneers-zyon-mccollum-earns-contract-extension

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers at Falcons: Bold prediction and staff picks for Week 1

As the Buccaneers are set to open their season on the road against the Atlanta Falcons this week, we here at Bucs Nation will dive into some picks and a bold prediction for Tampa Bay’s kickoff to their 50th season in franchise history.

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Bold Prediction​

The rookie shines in his regular season debut

Quarterback Baker Mayfield will have a new offensive weapon this season in rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. The former Ohio State product has wowed everyone during training camp and preseason. His crisp route running and sure hands will be something that will present a problem for the Falcons secondary as the focus will always shift to veteran wide receiver Mike Evans — which will naturally open things up everywhere else on the field. Look for Egbuka to break the 100-yard receiving mark and catch one touchdown.

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2025 Week 1 Staff Picks​

Gil Arcia: Bucs 30, Falcons 21
Mike Kiwak: Bucs 27, Falcons 24
Evan Wanish: Bucs 26, Falcons 23
Will Walsh: Bucs 24, Falcons 23

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/general/...er-mayfield-staff-picks-nfl-week-1-mike-evans

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

SB Nation reacts: Bucs fans confident in the team’s direction

Buccaneers fans are excited for the upcoming season for many reasons. With the return of several names throughout both sides of the ball along with several new exciting faces, the Tampa Bay fanbase sees potential promise for the upcoming 2025 regular season.

This week, fans were asked if they were confident in the team’s direction ahead of the 2025 season. 93-percent of the fanbase feel they are heading in the right direction.

In a main SB Nation Reacts polling, fans cross the league were asked which teams would win their respective divisions.

In the NFC South, where the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints reside along with the Buccaneers, more then 3/4 of the fans who voted feel the Bucs will win the division.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers season kicks off this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. If they get off on the right foot with lots good play centered around the new supporting class, the immediate future could be very bright for the Bucs.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/general/...fident-in-the-teams-direction-atlanta-falcons

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers Week 1 Top Performers at Atlanta Falcons

In common Week 1 fashion, both the Buccaneers and Falcons needed to shake off the off-season rust, and it could’ve been either team’s game as they traded blows.

However, Tampa Bay emerged victorious in a critical division road game with some late heroics and a little bit of luck as the Bucs defeated Atlanta 23-20 Sunday.

The Bucs got some critical contributions from several fresh faces, some rookies and some veterans, as they overall showed more good than bad. They didn’t get absolutely shredded by Michael Penix, Jr., who was making just his fourth start, and they again stuffed the run at an elite level as they’ve consistently done under Todd Bowles.

Let’s give some season-opening shoutouts as we exhale and recollect for next week and Monday Night Football against the Houston Texans.

Offensive Top Performer: WR Emeka Egbuka​

Though plenty of people got caught doing the shocked Pikachu face after Tampa selected Egbuka 19th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, it’s proven to be the smartest move GM Jason Licht could’ve possibly made given Chris Godwin’s recovery and Jalen McMillan’s neck injury.

Arguably the cleanest receiver evaluation in the entire draft, Egbuka came in with elite production (Ohio State’s all-time receptions leader) and character, and he’s earned nothing but praise from everyone in the building. He proved it was well-deserved Sunday by scoring two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score with barely a minute remaining in the game.

EMEKA EGBUKA. THE ROOKIE. AGAIN.

TBvsATL on FOXhttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/pLyQEvaSG4

— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025

He finished as the team’s receiving leader on a day where QB Baker Mayfield (and new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard) clearly needed to get up to speed and Mike Evans faced plenty of bracketed coverage — Egbuka caught 4 passes for 67 yards and the scores. The future seems to be shining bright for No. 2.

Finally, the offensive line needs props. It came out just before kickoff that the Bucs opted for a completely new starting configuration. Center Graham Barton kicked out to left tackle(!!), Ben Bredeson went from left guard to center, and newly signed Mike Jordan started at left guard. This was a risky gambit when everyone just assumed Charlie Heck would take over for Tristan Wirfs at left tackle. However, it worked out as Baker got sacked only once and largely had the time he needed for most of the game. We’ll see how it works against a much better Houston front, but early returns were encouraging.

Defensive Top Performer: EDGE Haason Reddick​

When Egbuka got picked, most originally assumed that selection would go toward pass-rushing reinforcements. While the team did address that later on via Day 3 picks David Walker (who unfortunately tore his ACL in training camp) and Elijah Roberts, brass made it clear they trusted in their only major outside free agent signing — edge rusher Haason Reddick.

The near 31-year-old had a tumultuous 2024 with the New York Jets that saw him barely play, so he was a bit of an unknown commodity. It’s just one game against a compromised Atlanta offensive line starting its third-string tackle, but Reddick looked quite good.

He recorded multiple pressures and the team’s only sack, which came at a vital time. With the Falcons threatening for the first time in the red zone, Reddick sacked Penix Jr. on third down to force a field goal attempt. Frequently, the Bucs would need to resort to blitzing in those situations the last couple seasons given the lack of proven 1-on-1 winners. If Reddick can do that consistently, the Bucs’ defense will be much better off for it.

First sack for @Haason7Reddick as a Buccaneer

: #TBvsATL on FOX pic.twitter.com/CbIVyhHbik

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 7, 2025

Zyon McCollum, who received a healthy contract extension just a few days ago, played very well. He totaled 10 tackles and nearly had two interceptions while helping to limit top Atlanta target Drake London to just 55 yards on 8 catches. He got dinged up with an apparent arm injury late in the game but came back in to finish. He was much improved last year, so further development and fully assuming CB1 duties would be a huge win.

Finally, Antoine Winfield Jr. needs recognition. Injured most of last season, Winfield looks much refreshed, and he made his presence felt with 4 total tackles and an incredible pass breakup on Atlanta’s final drive that would’ve put the Falcons within Tampa’s 5-yard line at the least had it been completed.

Special Teams Top Performer: PR Kam Johnson​

As massively disappointing as Chase McLaughlin’s very-bad-no-good day was, other elements of the special teams stepped up to create some pivotal advantages.

One such play came from second-year player Kam Johnson. Widely considered a long-shot for the roster because of injuries that cost him most of last year and almost all of preseason, Johnson snuck onto the squad thanks to his special teams juice — which he readily put on display Sunday.

Johnson logged a 54-yard punt return, which marked the team’s longest in nearly 10 years since Bobby Rainey returned one 58 yards in October 2015. By comparison, the biggest one Tampa got last year was…17 yards. The return positioned the Bucs for a crucial touchdown.

Kam Johnson with a big punt return of 53-yards to set the offense up with good field position

: @Buccaneers

pic.twitter.com/8leaSFk2gT

— SleeperBucs (@SleeperTBBUCS) September 7, 2025

Riley Dixon, also making his Bucs debut, looked to stabilize the team’s punter woes and did so very well. He punted four times and averaged 51.3 yards, including a long of 62 and two that pinned Atlanta inside their 20. If he can continue that standard, the Bucs will be in much better shape than all of 2024.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...eers-week-1-top-performers-at-atlanta-falcons

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

NFL Week 2 Opening Odds: Buccaneers at Texans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened the season with a 23-20 win against the Falcons in Atlanta. It wasn’t pretty as the Bucs struggled offensively for most of the game. Fortunately, after a shaky beginning, the Buccaneers defense did settle down and held Michael Penix, Jr. and the Atlanta offense in check for most of the game.

But how do the oddsmakers feel about Tampa Bay’s next matchup in Houston against the Texans? Per FanDuel, Houston is a 2.5-point favorite in Atlanta for the first week of the 2025 regular season.

Point spread: Texans -2.5
Point total: 44.5
Moneyline: Bucs +108, Texans -126

Like the Buccaneers offense, Houston has also struggled offensively against the Rams in Los Angeles. At the time of this writing, the Texans haven’t even broken the 200-yard mark offensively in L.A. and they are in the 4th quarter with 12 minutes left to play. It’s a trend across the league where we are seeing offensive struggles throughout the NFL with several teams unable to get into a consistent rhythm offensively.

Will that continue into Week 2? Next week’s game between the Bucs and Texans is scheduled for Monday night with kickoff set for 7:00 PM ET.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...week-2-opening-odds-buccaneers-texans-falcons