Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2018-19 - NFL Season Preview & Future Odds Predictions

Last season the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made noise about making progress and contending in the NFC South. That did not happen as the team finished the season 5-11 and the three other teams in the division reached the playoffs. Even before the start of this season, the team is behind the eight-ball as quarterback Jameis Winston was suspended for the first three games of the season by the NFL for violating the personal conduct policy of the league. When Winston returns he will have a number of targets to throw add and help in the offensive backfield, but if they lose the first three games, the season might already be over before Winston plays a single down. Last season Winston was 3-10 in games he started, as he missed three with a shoulder injury. This season Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was 2-1 last season when Winston was hurt, is expected to start the first three games while Winston is suspended. The most important offensive target is wide receiver DeSean Jackson who gives the Bucs a legitimate downfield threat. Mike Evans had his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season for the Bucs gives the Bucs two go to guys for Winston. Adam Humphries is solid in the slot and O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate at tight end combined for 12 touchdown receptions last season. Doug Martin is gone at running back and rookie Ronald Jones II will take his place and is known for his breakaway speed. The offense line has added Ryan Jensen who played center for the Ravens. Ali Marpet will become the new left guard moving over from center and Caleb Benenoch should start at right guard but could replace the injured Demar Dotson at right tackle. The offense could become more balanced with Jones at running back and a healthy line to block for him, which means Winston could have more time to find his array of receivers downfield.

Gerald McCoy is the returning defensive star and this season has been given some help. The Bucs were last in total defense, third-down percentage and sacks in 2017 but they signed two free agents in Vinny Curry and Beau Allen who both played for the Eagles last season. They also acquired defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul in a trade with the Giants. That makes Noah Spence a dedicated pass rusher. LaVonte David will key the linebacker corps. For the defensive backfield, the Bucs drafted two important pieces in Carlton Davis from Auburn and M.J. Stewart from North Carolina.