Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2024-25 NFL Season Recap

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2024-25 NFL Season Recap

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers exceeded preseason expectations by winning 10 regular-season games and clinching a playoff spot. NFL bettors banked on the unforeseen success by way of the Bucs covering 10 games against the closing NFL spread. Despite securing their fourth consecutive NFC South title, much of their success stemmed from Atlanta’s late-season collapse, even though the Falcons swept their season series against Tampa. Unsurprisingly, the Buccaneers bowed out in the wild-card round after a last-second 23-20 loss to Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Oddsmakers had set Tampa’s win total at 7.5 with +150 odds to make the playoffs, primarily reflecting the weakness of an NFC South division projected for a collective 7.5-game win total. The Bucs went 4-2 in division play and 4-2 against NFC teams, helping them reach the postseason despite a 2-3 record against the stronger AFC. While their playoff berth came as much from division rivals faltering as from their own play, Tampa did manage respectable 4-3 straight up (SU) and 5-2 against the spread (ATS) records versus the seven playoff teams faced over the course of the regular season. Unfortunately the Bucs failed to win, or cover, against the one that mattered most in the Wild-Card Round.

The NFL betting season may have ended in disappointment with Baker Mayfield at the center of the end result due to a poorly times turnover, but the Buccaneers’ QB1 delivered an impressive second go-round for the Bucs under center. Mayfield set a career-high with 4,500 passing yards, posting an outstanding 41:16 TD-to-INT ratio, a 106.8 passer rating, and a 61.7 QBR—his second-best mark in seven seasons. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s arrival was a game-changer, revitalizing both Mayfield’s career and Tampa Bay’s offense, which ranked No. 3 in the NFL and dented scoreboard for just under 30 points per game (No. 4). Mike Evans extended his streak to 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons despite only partaking in 14 games, while rookie RB Bucky Irving surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and scored eight touchdowns. Promising contributions from young talents Jalen McMillan and Cade Otton suggest the offense is primed for sustained success.

Regardless of Coen’s future, Tampa’s offensive outlook for 2025-26 remains bright with a number of holdovers and fresh young talent set to return. However, the defense tells a different story. Despite a late-season surge, the unit ranked No. 18 overall, allowing over 22 points per game (No. 16) and nearly 245 passing yards per contest (No. 29). General Manager Jason Licht is likely to focus on defensive reinforcements when breaking down the talent being offered up in the upcoming NFL Draft. Owners of the No. 19 overall pick in the first round, potential targets include ECU cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, and Ole Miss EDGE Princely Umanmielen, all of whom could provide an immediate boost to a defense in need of playmakers at each respective position. Members of a division that includes the rebuilding Carolina Panthers, a New Orleans Saints squad set to be led by a new coaching staff, and underachieving Atlanta Falcons, Tampa will likely enter next season as the odds-on favorite to win the NFC South a fifth straight time at the crypto sportsbook dependent upon how the off seasons play out for each franchise.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wild Card Recap

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell short in a 23-20 NFC wild-card loss to the Washington Commanders, ending their playoff run despite several scoring opportunities that could’ve led to a cover against the closing NFL odds as field goal home chalk. Baker Mayfield threw for two touchdowns but was hampered by key mistakes, including a fumbled handoff to Jalen McMillan in the fourth quarter that set up Washington’s go-ahead touchdown. The Buccaneers’ inability to convert a second-and-1 at the Commanders' 12-yard line forced them to settle for a 32-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin, tying the game at 20-20 with 4:41 remaining. Tampa Bay never regained possession. Mayfield finished with modest numbers, connecting with Mike Evans and Bucky Irving for touchdowns. However, Tampa Bay’s offense stalled at critical moments. The Bucs were 9-1 during the regular season when scoring first, but a 50-yard field goal by McLaughlin on their opening drive wasn’t enough to establish momentum. Defensively, the Buccaneers stood strong inside the red zone, stopping Washington on two fourth-down attempts, but a negated sack by Yaya Diaby due to a holding penalty allowed the Commanders to extend a drive and build a 10-3 lead. Vita Vea’s cameo as a receiver highlighted creative play-calling, though it ended with a sack. Injuries and missed opportunities ultimately defined a disappointing finish to Tampa Bay's campaign regardless of dramatically exceeding expectations over the course of the regular season.

2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Schedule, Results & Record

Founded in 1976 as an expansion team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost their first 26 games, setting a precedent for much of their early history. While the Buccaneers boast two Super Bowl championships, their legacy has largely been marked by losing seasons and ineptitude. From 1976 to 1996, the Bucs only made the NFL Playoffs three times.

A turning point came in 1997 when head coach Tony Dungy began leading the team to sustained success, taking them to the postseason in four of his final five seasons. However, Dungy couldn't secure a Super Bowl appearance and was replaced by Jon Gruden in 2002.

Gruden immediately led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in his first season, though some claimed he won with Dungy's team. Dungy later won a Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts in 2006. Despite his initial success, Gruden's "Chucky" persona and cocky attitude couldn't sustain playoff momentum, as the Bucs missed the playoffs in the two years following their Super Bowl win. Gruden was eventually fired after producing only two playoff teams in his final six seasons.

From 2008 to 2019, the Buccaneers failed to make the playoffs. However, everything changed with the arrival of Tom Brady in 2020. In his first season away from Bill Belichick and the Patriots, Brady led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl championship in a dominant upset over the Kansas City Chiefs. Though the future Hall of Fame quarterback hung up his cleats in 2023, the Bucs still managed to punch a ticket to the second season under the guidance of Baker Mayfield who was recently through 2026.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Past Seasons (2000)

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