The 2-0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers will player their 2025 home opener on Sunday afternoon against the 0-2 New York Jets. New York has dominated the all-time series, 10-3, but Tampa Bay has won the last two contests, most recently a 28-24 thriller in the Meadowlands late in the 2021 season. The Jets will be without starting quarterback Justin Fields while the Buccaneers are working around a troubling run of injuries to their offensive line. To find out how to watch, listen and livestream the game, click here.
Those injury concerns factor into how the experts see this game unfolding, with one pointing out that the Buccaneers have needed every bit of four quarters to get each of their first two wins. Another counters that the Buccaneers generally took care of business against underdog opponents at home in 2024, when their average margin of victory in five wins was more than two touchdowns. One expert expects the Bucs' rushing attack to be the difference against the Jets' defense, while another simply says he "won't be picking against Baker Mayfield anytime soon."
Here's how Gennaro Filice of NFL.com, who expects a tight game, breaks down the matchup:
"Jets QB Justin Fields (concussion) has already been ruled out of this game, which would seem to significantly stack the odds in the Bucs' favor. And yet, Tyrod Taylor is far more seasoned than your average backup, as a 15th-year pro with 58 NFL starts under his belt. That kind of experience comes in handy when you're going against Bowles' aggressive, exotic defense. As [Jets Head Coach Aaron] Glenn said on Wednesday, "There's no coverage, there's no pressure that he hasn't seen." Oh, and did I mention that the Bucs are dealing with fresh injuries of their own? Disruptive defensive tackle Calijah Kancey and reliable right guard Cody Mauch were both just lost for the season, while standout right tackle Luke Goedeke is hitting injured reserve. So, while I think Tampa ultimately slays the Week 3 beast, it doesn't come easy."
The Buccaneers are 7.0-point favorites at home and most analysts appear to agree with that line. Here's what some of them are predicting will occur on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium:
NFL.com – The Bucs get a sweep from the five expert picks
ESPN.com – After being a small favorite among 11 analysts last week, the Bucs get a full sweep this time
CBSSports.com – Pete Prisco predicts a double-digit win for the home team
USA Today – The seven-point spread leads to a 3-3 split among six expert prognosticators
Bleacher Report – Seven analysts pick against the spread and five still give the points on the Bucs
Pro Football Talk – For the first time this season, Chris Simms agrees with Mike Florio on the Bucs
Sports Illustrated – It's all Tampa Bay among seven analyst choices
Sporting News – It's a high-scoring win for the Buccaneers
