While the specific schedule doesn't come out every year until the spring, opponents for each team are known years in advance. It's all according to a specific formula that each team follows.
You of course know that the Bucs play each of their three division opponents twice every year – as does every team. They'll have a home and away contest to ensure fairness. Each team also cycles through multiple divisions each year on a rotating basis.
The following includes the formula as the league is currently set up with 17 games.
For now, this is the complete formula as it stands:
- Both home and away games against three division opponents (six games)
- Four teams from another in-conference division on a rotating three-year cycle (four games)
- Four teams from an outer-conference division on a rotating four-year cycle (four games)
- Two games against in-conference opponents based on the prior year's standings (two games)
Here's a look at the Bucs' opponents for the next two seasons.
2021 Season
HOME
- Dallas Cowboys
- New York Giants
- Buffalo Bills
- Miami Dolphins
- New Orleans Saints
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- Chicago Bears
AWAY
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Football Team
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
- New Orleans Saints
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- Indianapolis Colts
2022 Season
HOME
- Los Angeles Rams
- Seattle Seahawks
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cincinnati Bengals
- New Orleans Saints
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- NFC North opponent TBD
- AFC West opponent TBD
AWAY
- Arizona Cardinals
- San Francisco 49ers
- Cleveland Browns
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- New Orleans Saints
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- NFC East opponent TBD
