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Buccaneers Projected 8.5 Wins, Miss Playoffs After Veteran Losses

6/3/2026

24 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Buccaneers are projected for 8.5 wins in 2026 and are -130 to miss playoffs.
They lost veterans Mike Evans, Lavonte David and Jamel Dean, added players and drafted Rueben Bain (No. 15) and Josiah Trotter.
Their 2026 slate drops a first-place schedule, featuring the Rams, Cowboys, Chargers and a Thursday trip to Dallas.
Following a poor 2025 season, betting markets moved from the over to the under on the 8.5-win total.

History

Historical Context

In 2002, after trading coach Jon Gruden for two first-round picks, two second-round picks and $8 million, Tampa Bay posted a 12-4 record and won Super Bowl XXXVII 48–21, with a defense that allowed only 196 points (12.3 per game). The 2026 roster overhaul—cutting veterans Mike Evans, Lavonte David and Jamel Dean and drafting rookie Rueben Bain—mirrors that earlier rebuild as the club again hopes to recapture championship form.

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Story summary

The Buccaneers are projected for 8.5 wins in 2026 and are -130 to miss playoffs.
They lost veterans Mike Evans, Lavonte David and Jamel Dean, added players and drafted Rueben Bain (No. 15) and Josiah Trotter.
Their 2026 slate drops a first-place schedule, featuring the Rams, Cowboys, Chargers and a Thursday trip to Dallas.
Following a poor 2025 season, betting markets moved from the over to the under on the 8.5-win total.

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