Buccaneers Hit With Realistic Projection in 2026 ESPN Guide

https://www.si.com/nfl/buccaneers/onsi/buccaneers-hit-with-realistic-projection-in-2026-espn-guide

OFFENSE

"Baker Mayfield having an average season"

"solid production from Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell"

"Emeka Egbuka leading the group and securing his first 1,000-yard receiving season in the NFL."

"The Bucs' offense doesn't quite return to the levels we saw in 2024, but they do enough to sit around the middle of the pack (16th)"

DEFENSE

"41.8 sacks on the season, with Yaya Diaby leading the way with a projected seven sacks."

"Antoine Winfield Jr. being the high interception guy for the Bucs' defense with two on the season."

"rank slightly above average across the league, finishing as the 13th-best defense in the league."

OVERALL

"would likely place them in the playoffs, albeit with a potential early exit."

ESPN's Projected Wins for Bucs: 9

It's an extremely realistic scenario for the Bucs, as they have finished with 10 or fewer wins in four of their last five seasons. Vegas oddsmakers also currently have the Bucs sitting around a win total of 8.5 to 9 wins.