BREAKING NEWS! NFL Analyst Made A Shocking Prediction

As The 2024 NFL season is fast approaching, and while we sit out a relatively slow news cycle entering training camp, we decided to dust off r crystal ball here at SCF. That’s right, today we are going to attempt projecting the Buccaneers’ season outcome in advance. Bear in mind, opinions could change pending injuries, trades, position changes, etc; but below is how I think we’ll see 2024 play out.

**Week 1: vs. Commanders**
*Prediction: Win*

The Commanders will look like a brand new team in 2024. They have a new Head Coach in former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and drafted rookie QB Jayden Daniels with their first round pick. The addition of several key positions on defense as well as some skill positions will make Washington more formidable, but I still have Tampa winning here.

*Week 2: at Lions**
*Prediction: Loss*

The Lions managed to keep the Bucs out of the NFC Championship after a thrilling Divisional round matchup. Tampa seeking revenge in enemy territory doesn’t bode well. Detroit fans will make life hard on Baker Mayfield, so this will be a good opportunity to see if new Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen can slow the game down on the ground to keep Jared Goff and his receivers on the sideline.

**Week 3: vs. Denver Broncos**
*Prediction: Win*

After the Russell Wilson debacle over the past two years, Denver still has what Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler calls the “fifth worst” Quarterback situation in the NFL. I could see the Bucs winning by multiple touchdowns and this may be where we get our first early indicator of how well oiled the Bucs’ offense will be.

**Week 4: vs. Philadelphia Eagles**
*Prediction: Win*

Back in January, the Buccaneers trounced a Philly squad that was nearing the end of an epic collapse. Eagles’ coach Nick Siriani is under pressure, as is Jalen Hurts. Look for Todd Bowles to try and make Hurts sit in the pocket and throw, which could very much determine the outcome. If the Buccaneers offense shows up and hangs points up, they’ll get the win here.

**Week 5: at Atlanta Falcons**
*Prediction: Win*

Tampa Bay begins their Divisional games with a trip to ATL to face new Falcons signal caller, Kirk Cousins. With the newfound ability to actually use their talented skill players, the Falcons will enter this game with confidence, but I don’t think it’s enough. Baker and Co. split the season series with Atlanta last year.

**Week 6: at New Orleans Saints**
*Prediction: Win*

The Saints have been a hot mess for the last couple years. 33 year old Derek Carr will be the starter for New Orleans, who experts have doubts about. If Tampa can get early pressure on Carr and make good decisions with their own opportunities on offense, this one could get ugly in a hurry.

**Week 7: vs. Baltimore Ravens**
*Prediction: Loss*

Week 7 is an inflection point in the Bucs’ schedule. Baltimore was already an incredibly tough assignment before they added veteran Derrick Henry, but with Henry in addition to the problem Lamar Jackson already poses could spell trouble for Buccaneers linebackers. I think the Bucs take an L here and a big one at that.

**Week 8: vs. Atlanta Falcons**
*Prediction: Win*

Call me crazy, but I just don’t trust Kirk Cousins to win games that count. Baker seems more confident and has weapons he can count on, and frankly I think the weapons Atlanta has are a bit overrated. Divisional games can get weird but I have the Bucs completing the season sweep at home.

**Week 9: at Kansas City Chiefs**
*Prediction: Loss*

Arrowhead Stadium. Patrick Mahomes. Enough said.

**Week 10: vs. San Francisco 49ers**
*Prediction: Loss*

This game will be closer than the likely 10+ points Vegas bookmakers will project, but Kyle Shanahans’ team is going to enter every game with a chip on their shoulder this year. The one crutch the San Francisco defense may have is in the middle of their defense, so use of his tight end and knowing when to check to a run play at key moments will help Mayfield considerably here. I still don’t think the Bucs pull off the win, however.

**Week 11: BYE WEEK**

**Week 12: at New York Giants**
*Prediction: Win*

Depending on how Quarterback Daniel Jones performs early on in 2024, there may be a different starter taking snaps for the Giants by Week 12. The loss of Saquon Barkley gutted New York’s fanbase and it’s a situation that I believe makes their already dire situation worse. Big win here and perhaps the opportunity to rest ailing starters and get a look at some younger players late in the game.

**Week 13: at Carolina Panthers**
*Prediction: Loss*

When I was looking over the schedule for this article, for some reason this game stuck out to me. Sure, it’s “just the Panthers”, but I think the Bucs trip up here. Could be fatigue. Could be poor execution. Bucs take their first division loss of the year.

**Week 14: vs. Las Vegas Raiders**
*Prediction: Win*

With really only one true weapon, the Raiders don’t travel well. They had outliers in 2023, but Todd Bowles knows how to sniff out blood in the water. Look for alot of pressure on Aidan O’Connell and alot of heavy ground game to counter the pass rush dominance of Maxx Crosby. Bucs win.