The Bucs’ full 2022 schedule will be released on Thursday, May 12. Each of the NFL’s network partners will start to release a game or two leading up to the full release.
We already know the Bucs will host the Seahawks in the league’s first ever game in Munich, Germany on November 13 in Week 10. But who will their Week 1 opponent be, and will it be a home or away game?
The NFL could go a variety of ways here. Tampa Bay’s schedule is full of big matchups. While the Super Bowl champion Rams are on the schedule, they are expected to kick off the season at home on Thursday Night Football. Last year when the Bucs were the defending Super Bowl champions they hosted Dallas on Thursday Night Football.
If Tampa Bay was to start the season on the road they have no shortage of marquee opponents. The list includes the Cowboys, 49ers, Cardinals, Browns and Saints. The Cowboys are probably the biggest ratings draw and would be a rematch of last season’s season opener. The Browns offer some intrigue with Deshaun Watson at the helm, and the Saints and Bucs have opened the season before in New Orleans in 2017 and 2020.
Tampa Bay has a tough schedule ahead this season with eight opponents who made the playoffs in 2021. Aside from the Rams and the Super Bowl runner-up Bengals, the Bucs will also play teams with talented quarterbacks, such as the Chiefs, Packers, and Ravens.
Pewter Report Bucs’ 2022 Season Opener Predictions
With Tom Brady back for a third – and perhaps final – season in Tampa Bay, expect the Bucs to have a high-profile season opener this year. Here are the predictions from the Pewter Report staff on which team the Bucs might face in Week 1.
Scott Reynolds: Tampa Bay at Dallas – Monday Night Football
Matt Matera: Tampa Bay vs. Green Bay – Sunday Night Football
JC Allen: Tampa Bay vs. New Orleans
Kasey Hudson: Tampa Bay at Arizona
Josh Queipo: Tampa Bay vs. Kansas City – Monday Night Football
Bailey Adams: Tampa Bay at New Orleans – Sunday Night Football
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About the Author: J.C. Allen
Be fun to open in Dallas and thump the Cowgirls. Hope it’s not the Saints. They always seem beat us no matter who the QB is. I don’t want the Rams either. Rather play them later in year after we tweak defense with new starters etc.
I agree, don’t want to see the ‘Aints or Lambs early, Bengals would be a good match up.
I’m sorry, but “making predictions” just sank to “Jumped the shark” levels here at PR. Predicting opening day opponents? Jeezus, just wait three days to find out who it is … nobody, I repeat nobody, will ever care who any PR writer “predicted” would be the Bucs opponent in Week 1.
How about some news, some interviews with Bucs players and coaches? How about something addressing the rookie mini camp coming soon? Something other than pointless “predictions”.
Wow, it still takes me awhile to grasp we’re one of the best teams in the league that the nation wants to see. I still have those nightmares trying to find a bar that would show a Buc game because the networks certainly wouldn’t.
You’re right about that Surfer. Some tend to poo poo the fact that the team finished 13 dash 4 and tied for the best record in the league. Perhaps out of sheer habit, a few still want to say the team “sucked”. Then there’s the group that wants to give every ounce of credit to one man. There’s reason for continued optimism heading into 2022. I suspect the Bucs will be favored in nearly every contest. I don’t think many opponent’s fans are going through their team’s schedule and circling that Bucs game as a sure victory like in the… Read more »
My prediction: Bengals @-- Bucs, in the Sun. 4:25 slot.