The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ staff discussed their most anticipated matchups for the team’s upcoming 2026 season in a roundtable published May 19. The discussion comes after the release of the new schedule and as fans look ahead to key games following last year’s campaign.
The conversation is part of a series examining different aspects of the Buccaneers’ schedule, aiming to highlight which contests could prove most significant or exciting for both players and supporters. Staff Writer/Reporter Brianna Dix, Contributor Gabriel Kahaian, and Senior Writer Scott Smith each selected one game they are looking forward to in particular.
Gabriel Kahaian said his pick is the Week 9 Sunday Night Football matchup against the Chicago Bears. “Chicago is coming off its first NFC North division title since 2018, with Caleb Williams blossoming into the star many expected him to become under Ben Johnson’s wing,” Kahaian said. He noted that both teams have something to prove: “The Bears want to show that 2025 was not a flash in the pan and they are built to sustain success for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, The Bucs want to prove last season was just an injury-riddled blip, not a benchmark.” Kahaian highlighted that both teams will be well-prepared with eight games played before this contest and sees it as an opportunity for either side to seize momentum.
Scott Smith chose Week Four’s home game against the Green Bay Packers. Smith pointed out recent history between these teams: “The Bucs and Packers have a long and oft-contested rivalry due to their quarter-century together in what was previously known as the NFC Central Division, and lately, it has been particularly entertaining…both teams have been annual playoff contenders.” He recalled memorable past meetings such as Tampa Bay’s win over Green Bay during Tom Brady’s tenure and Baker Mayfield’s perfect passer rating at Lambeau Field in 2023.
Brianna Dix selected Week Five’s Thursday Night Football clash at Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium. She described her reasoning: “Not only will this marquee matchup be on the grand stage in the national spotlight, but these showdowns always run down to the wire. Six of the last eight meetings in the series between the Bucs and Cowboys have been decided by one score.” Dix predicted another close contest given recent history between these two franchises.
As anticipation builds around these highlighted matchups, Buccaneers fans can expect several high-stakes games throughout their team’s pursuit of another successful season.
