The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will make their 2025 prime-time debut in Week Two with a Monday Night Football contest on the road against the Houston Texans. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium in Houston, and the game will be broadcast nationally by ABC.
The Buccaneers are 1-0 after escaping Atlanta with a 23-20 comeback win in Week One. Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka had a dazzling NFL debut with two long touchdown catches, including the game winner with 59 seconds left in regulation. Veteran edge rusher Haason Reddick, Tampa Bay's most important free agency addition in the offseason, also started his Buc tenure well with a sack and a team-high seven QB pressures. The Buccaneers unveiled a new-look offensive line they will use until All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs left, with center Graham Barton popping out to that spot, left guard Ben Bredeson moving to center and Michael Jordan filling in at left guard. Baker Mayfield and his pass-catchers looked a bit out of sync to start the season but the offense settled in over time and Mayfield toss three total touchdown passes.
Houston had a 9-7 lead over the Rams in Los Angeles at halftime but didn't score again after the break and lost 14-9 to fall to 0-1. Third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 19 of 27 passes for 188 yards and did not have a touchdown; kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn accounted for all nine of the Texans points. Houston's elite defense held Matthew Stafford and the Rams to just 296 yards of offense and sacked Stafford three times but forced only one turnover and had trouble getting off the field on third downs (seven of 13, plus one of one on L.A. fourth-down attempts). Houston is coming off back-to-back AFC South championships and 10-7 seasons in DeMeco Ryans' first two seasons at the helm and have serious playoff aspirations again in 2025. Also, the Texans have never lost to the Buccaneers in Houston and Tampa Bay's last win in the series was in 2003.
Here are four major storylines and four head-to-head player battles to keep an eye on as the Bucs try to record their fifth straight 2-0 start to a season.
View the top images of Tampa Bay's 23-20 victory against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, September 8th, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 and Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a turnover on downs during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 and Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a turnover on downs during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Long Snapper Evan Deckers #86 and Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Cornerback Jacob Parrish #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Fans before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - An elevated view of Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Linebacker Deion Jones #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers takes the field before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - NFL Kickoff banner before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, and Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a pass break up during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a turnover on downs during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates his first career touchdown reception with Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates his first career touchdown reception with Defensive Lineman Greg Gaines #96 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - A Bucs fan during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Safety Rashad Wisdom #38 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Cornerback Jacob Parrish #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dives for a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dives for a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a sack during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Offensive Tackle Charlie Heck #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - 50th Season patch before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches the game winning touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 and Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate the game winning touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 and Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate the game winning touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Michael Penix Jr. and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after the game after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 and Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 and Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4, Long Snapper Evan Deckers #86 and Punter Riley Dixon #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 and Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98, Cornerback Jacob Parrish #25 and Safety Kaevon Merriweather #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54, Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5, Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 and Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 and Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 and Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 and Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 and Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Center Graham Barton #62 and Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Kevin Carberry of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Cornerbacks Coach Kevin Ross and Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - General Manager Jason Licht and Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Punter Riley Dixon #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Punter Riley Dixon #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - September 07, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs won the game, 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TOP STORYLINES
Getting In Sync – The Buccaneers beat their division rivals on the road in Week One and care far more about that important win than the stats from the game, in which their offense only accounted for 260 total net yards. Last season, the Buccaneers' third-ranked offense averaged just under 400 yards per game and only tallied 260 or fewer twice. Perhaps not coincidentally, those two outings occurred in Weeks Two and Three, as the offense under new coordinator Liam Coen was taking shape. Baker Mayfield noted himself after the game that he and his pass-catchers were a little out of sync, which is understandable given that it was Week One, the lineup is missing Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan and the offensive line got a last-minute makeover in the absence of Tristan Wirfs. The Bucs made the plays when they counted, particularly on the game-winning 63-yard two-minute drill that ended in Mayfield's 25-yard strike in the back of the end zone to his new rookie target, Egbuka. Even without factoring in the not-too-distant returns of Godwin and Wirfs, there's a good chance Mayfield and company are going to get better aligned and start producing like one of the NFL's elite offenses again. However, that could be difficult to accomplish in Week Two against a Texans defense that features Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter applying pressure up front and cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter locking it down on the back end.
The Space City Curse? – As noted above, the Buccaneers have yet to beat the Texans on their own home turf in the regular season, going 0-3 in three tries at what is now known as NRG Stadium. While the Bucs are also still seeking their first wins in Buffalo or Nashville, the Houston no-no is worse because Tampa Bay also had several cracks at the Houston Oilers in the same town before they relocated and became the Tennessee Titans. The Bucs were 0-4 against the Oilers in the Astrodome, including a 20-0 loss in the very first regular-season game in franchise history. Perhaps the most painful defeat was the most recent one, against the Texans in 2023. Stroud began an impressive second-half surge to his rookie campaign with what remains his most prolific outing to date: 470 passing yards, five touchdown passes and no interceptions. The Buccaneers thought they had their first win in Houston when Mayfield hit tight end Cade Otton on a 14-yard touchdown pass for a 37-33 lead with 46 seconds remaining, but Stroud had the last laugh. He needed only 40 of those seconds to lead a 75-yard drive culminating in the winning touchdown pass to Tank Dell. Monday night brings the Buccaneers another opportunity to exercise their Houston demons.
Take It Away – After allowing a three-play, 65-yard drive to start the season last Sunday in Atlanta, the Buccaneers' defense settled in considerably the rest of the game despite some sharp passing from second-year man Michael Penix. The Falcons didn't find the end zone again until just before the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter, and even then the Buccaneers made them take nine snaps from the 11-yard line before they could actually get the ball across the goal line. What was missing from the Bucs' defensive efforts were turnovers, which have been a point of emphasis for Todd Bowles throughout the 2025 calendar year. The Bucs somewhat reworked secondary was able to get its hands on a lot of footballs during training camp practices, and that trend continued in the preseason games with six interceptions and 17 passes defensed in three games. Unfortunately, while the Bucs did break up six passes against the Falcons, they failed to haul in a trio of interception opportunities. The Buccaneers only secured seven interceptions in 2024, tied for the fourth-fewest in the NFL but are determined to get that number up on 2025. A few more takeaways could turn last-second nail-biters like the one in Atlanta into more comfortable wins.
Poised for a Breakout? – Stroud, who was picked second in the 2023 draft after the Panthers selected Bryce Young first overall, made that string of events look questionable when he ran away with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award that season. He threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns in 15 starts as a rookie and notably threw just five interceptions and had the NFL's lowest interception percentage (1.0%) as the Texans improved by seven wins over the previous season. The future still looks extremely bright for Stroud in Houston, but his second season didn't produce the big leap into the next level of stardom many were expecting. While he still threw for 3,727 yards, his TD-INT ratio was 20-12 and his passer rating fell nearly 14 points to 87.0. Without a doubt, there were extenuating circumstances. Houston's offensive line struggled mightily, leading to a host of changes in the offseason; multiple receivers missed significant time due to injuries, including Nico Collins and the since-departed Stefon Diggs; and the switch at offensive coordinator from Bobby Slowik to Nick Caley suggests there were some play-calling concerns. Will that next leap from Stroud come in Year Three? The Texans have multiple new starters on the front line and added wide receivers Christian Kirk, Jaylin Noel, Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios in the offseason. Like the Bucs, the Texans didn't get off to a particularly hot start on offense in Week One, but Stroud could indeed be poised for a breakout. The Bucs will try to delay that until at least Week Three.
KEY MATCHUPS
1. Texans T Cam Robinson vs. Buccaneers OLB Yaya Diaby
The Texans are dealing with some injury issues up front on offense, with guard Ed Ingram missing the first game and starting center Jake Andrews due to miss time with a high ankle sprain suffered in Week one. Houston used four different offensive line combinations in Week One and while some of it worked out, there were four different linemen who were credited by NFL Next Gen Stats as allowing three or more pressures of C.J. Stroud. One was starting right tackle Cam Robinson, who also missed three plays with an injury and allowed three pressures. Robinson has a ton of experience, starting all 102 games in which he's played, the majority of it with Jacksonville. He was traded midseason to Minnesota after an injury to Christian Darrisaw and stepped right into the lineup for the last 10 games. At the time of the trade, Robinson had a career pass block win rate of 81.7%. Yaya Diaby largely rushed off the right side of the Bucs' defensive front in Atlanta with newcomer Haason Reddick taking the other side, and if he does so again on Monday night that would put him in conflict with Robinson. Diaby led the Bucs in quarterback pressures in 2024 and started the season with three of them against the Falcons. He also appeared to have a big sack of Michael Penix on a stunt rush up the middle but it was erased by a penalty flag thrown in the secondary.
2. Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka vs. Texans CB Kamari Lassiter
In his impressive two-touchdown NFL debut on Sunday, Emeka Egbuka played 34 of his 54 offensive snaps out of the slot, which could make the more significant matchup one with nickel corner Jalen Pitre. However, both of Egbuka's touchdowns came when he lined up on the outside, including the game-winner in which the safety crashed down to cover Mike Evans and Egbuka took advantage of one-on-one coverage by a cornerback. If the Texans choose to have Pro Bowl cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. follow Evans around for much of that could mean some significant matchups between Egbuka and Kamari Lassiter. Last season, Stingley finished second in the NFL in completion percentage allowed as the nearest defense (minimum 50 targets faced) at 46.7%. The only player with a better mark in that category: Lassiter, at 45.6%, and that was in his rookie season. The second-round pick out of Georgia started all 14 games in which he played in 2024, collecting three interceptions, 10 passes defensed and 67 tackles. The 6-1 Lassiter is a good size match for Egbuka but the Bucs' rookie is a precise route-runner who is good at creating separation at all three levels of the field.
3. Texans TE Dalton Schultz vs. Buccaneers S Antoine Winfield Jr.
Dalton Schultz may not have made quite as big of an impact as hoped in Houston in 2024 after coming across state from Dallas in free agency, with his lowest catch (53), yardage (532) and touchdown (2) totals in five years but he remains a key part of the Texans' passing attack even with all the receivers added in the offseason. In the season opener, he tied Nico Collins for the most targets by Stroud, with five, while catching three passes for 28 yards. The Bucs had some periodic issues with opposing tight ends in 2024, particularly in the middle of the field, and they haven't yet proved they have fixed that issue after Atlanta's Kyle Pitts caught seven passes for 59 yards against them in Week One. However, they do have a rather large middle-of-the-field presence in safety Antoine Winfield Jr., upon whom Head Coach Todd Bowles heaped praise after the win over Atlanta for how well he executed the defensive game plan. Winfield also had the defensive play of the game with a last-second hit on Casey Washington near the goal line on what appeared to be shaping up as a game-winning touchdown. Winfield won first-team AP All-Pro honors in 2023 after a season in which he delivered one game-changing play after another, and after injuries limited his effectiveness in 2024, he appears to be back to his big-play ways.
4. Buccaneers T Luke Goedeke vs. Texans DE Will Anderson
If Tristan Wirfs is unable to return to game action in Week Two, the Buccaneers will likely stick with their surprise shuffled lineup from last weekend, most notably with center Graham Barton moving to left tackle, but Bowles wouldn't commit to that plan on Monday. What is certain is that Luke Goedeke will be manning the right tackle spot, where he has developed into one of the best at his position in the NFL. The Buccaneers felt so highly of his level of play that they signed him to a lucrative four-year contract extension just before the start of the season. The Buccaneers' offensive tackles may not face a challenge in 2025 that is steeper than the one waiting for them on Monday night against Houston's dynamic edge duo of Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. Anderson took almost all of his Week One snaps on the left edge of the Texans' defensive front, which would put him in a battle with Goedeke on Monday. The third-overall pick in the 2023 draft, Anderson landed in Houston as a fully-formed star, going to the Pro Bowl after a seven-sack season as a rookie. He upped that to 11.0 sacks last year and had 58 quarterback pressures. That pressure-to-sack rate of 19.0% was nearly double what he produced as a rookie, and he already has one sack this season after contributing one of the three takedowns of Matthew Stafford.
Another Key Storyline this week is our Moffitt Stories of Courage special guest, Brett Davison. Brett, a proud dad and member of Moffitt's IT team, was diagnosed with stage 2b testicular cancer in 2020, just as the world was shutting down for the pandemic. With courage and determination, he faced chemotherapy and multiple surgeries at Moffitt—and today, he's cancer-free. When he's not working or cheering for his favorite Buccaneer, Mike Evans, Brett finds peace off-roading, riding his motorcycle, or behind the lens capturing Florida's wild beauty. His powerful message to others: "Cancer doesn't define your worth… it's okay to laugh, to cry, to ask questions—and to know you're not alone." The Buccaneers are honored to Brett at this weekend's game.
