In less than 50 hours, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will kick off their 2025 campaign at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against the Atlanta Falcons. They had a rollercoaster 2024 season. Expect the same once again this year, but this Buccaneers team will surprise everyone when it counts most.
Let's leave last season's struggles behind. They're history now. It's a fresh start for the Bucs. Here are four bold predictions that could define Tampa Bay's 2025 campaign.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers boldest predictions
Baker Mayfield quietly becomes an MVP candidate
Last season's 16 interceptions stood out as a major challenge for the veteran quarterback. It overshadowed what was otherwise an impressive year (4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns).
If he can reduce those interceptions while maintaining his high yardage and touchdown totals, Mayfield will emerge as a top contender for the NFL MVP award this season.
"The Bucs are a dangerous team in a transitional division, and Mayfield absolutely can play at an MVP level in his age-30 season provided the [Tristan] Wirfs loss doesn't cut too deeply," NFL.com's Eric Edholm wrote in July.
Tampa Bay hosts a wild-card playoff game despite an 8-9 record
The NFC South's parity makes it possible for Tampa Bay to clinch a playoff spot with a sub-.500 record. The Bucs will have some frustrating games, but they will win key divisional matchups and close out tight contests, which could secure a playoff berth.
Bucs win Super Bowl
While an 8-9 record might suggest inconsistency, Tampa Bay could peak at the right time. They will turn near-misses into victories and rattle off wins in the postseason.
Tampa Bay will claim its third Super Bowl title in franchise history, and its first since the 2020 season.
Mike Evans becomes Super Bowl MVP
The boldest prediction of all here. Mike Evans remains a vital offensive weapon.
He will record his 12th straight 1,000-yard season and then deliver one of the best performances of his career on the biggest stage. Matching legendary wide receivers like Jerry Rice, Cooper Kupp and Julian Edelman as Super Bowl MVP would be a milestone he's surely dreaming of.