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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the NFC South last season with a 9-8 record overall.

They weren’t expected to contend, but with good defense and solid leadership by quarterback Baker Mayfield, the team did the requisite amount to win the division on the season’s final day.

Once in the playoffs, the Bucs proved to be a tough out. They stunned the Philadelphia Eagles at home in the wild-card round before losing at the Detroit Lions.

Does that Buccaneer momentum carry into this season, even if they did not make many changes/additions to the roster?

Here are some of the odds related to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the start of the regular season just over a week away.

Bucs’ Board at a Glance

Odds to Win

Opening Odds to Current Odds

– Super Bowl 60-1 (+6000) 80-1 (+8000)
– Conference 30-1 (+3000) 35-1 (+3500)
– Division +290 3-1 (+300)
– Regular Season Wins 7½ (o-140, u+115) 7½ (o-140, u+140)

– To Make Playoffs Yes +140, No – 170 Yes +140, No -170

Bucs Underestimated Again

Buccaneer general manager Jason Licht and coach Todd Bowles said the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are underrated due to the negative press surrounding quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Mayfield has retained all of the negative stories written about him, serving as fuel on the field.

The former Oklahoma star began his career with the Cleveland Browns as 2018’s No. 1 overall draft choice. Four seasons by Lake produced stats that were decent, if not spectacular.

By 2022, Mayfield was a Carolina Panthers. Appearing in seven games, Mayfield was break-even (six touchdowns, six interceptions).

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

A year later, off to the Los Angeles Rams and had another opportunity to start when in place of an injured Matthew Stafford. Mayfield’s quarterback rating improved in SoCal, albeit without much in the way of sample size.

Enters the Buccaneers, truly desperate to find someone who could “relieve” Tom Brady. Mayfield had himself a career season (4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 10 interceptions).

He was rewarded with a three-year, $100 million contract with the Buccaneers after leading them into the playoffs.

If this is the definition of underrated, then Tampa Bay and its fans can live with it.

Winning it All?

As was seen above, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are listed at 80-1 (+8000) to win the title in New Orleans, according to Super Bowl LIX odds. While the NFC South still is a comparatively weak division, the Atlanta Falcons have improved and the woebegone Carolina Panthers can’t (theoretically) be much worse than last season.

Bucs HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Do not discount the New Orleans Saints to be in the hunt, either.

The goal of 10 wins is needed to win the NFC South, let us figure out how the Bucs can reach that number.

While the Buccaneers have the potential to make another appearance in the playoffs, they are looking at 2024 visits to the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys, plus a playoff (home) rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Figuring the Bucs to be sizable underdogs in each of those road games, a difficult task awaits.

We wouldn’t dissuade anyone wanting to take a flier, but the odds are set at +8000 because they deserve to be. It’s unlikely Tampa Bay will hoist the trophy.

The season opener is a visit by the Washington Commanders, with the Bucs as 3½-point favorites, as per NFL odds.

Conquering the Conference?

One less win is needed to collect on this wager, but again, it ain’t easy. The Buccaneers can gauge themselves against the best in the NFC with those aforementioned in-season games against the Cowboys, Lions and 49ers. If you’re inclined to accept this wager, do not invest now. Wait to see how the team does against the elite during the season. Of course, odds are reflective of the good/bad results, but past performance is never a bad thing.

Securing the South?

There is plenty of hype surrounding the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South, and with good reason. Atlanta has a new coach in former Buccaneer boss Raheem Morris and a new quarterback in Kirk Cousins.

Atlanta didn’t give Cousins a new friend with whom to play catch, instead selecting ex-Washington Husky quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to understudy Cousins. Atlanta’s still waiting to see Drake London and Kyle Pitts offer some consistency.

We just see the Buccaneers as a more cohesive unit entering this season.

Wins and Playoffs?

Bucs WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

If Tampa Bay survives a first-half onslaught of some of the marquee teams in the league, then it’s New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Loa Angeles Chargers, Panthers again and New Orleans Saints in six of the final seven. Go with over 7½ wins (-140) as the investment.

A Second Season?

It was nine wins and a Buccaneer NFC South title last season. Mayfield and veteran wideout Mike Evans each have new contracts, while Antoine Winfield Jr. and Lavonte David are cornerstones on defense.

It wasn’t a fluke last season. There is more belief in this team at the outset of the season than
in entering 2023. Take the Buccaneers at 7-5 (+140) to earn another berth in the postseason.