Analyst projects Bucs to win the NFC South in 2026

Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report projected the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to finish atop the NFC South in his post-schedule-release win and loss predictions for the 2026 season. The projection feels more tied to roster stability than to overwhelming dominance. Tampa Bay still enters the year with the division’s clearest offensive structure behind Baker Mayfield, while several division rivals continue dealing with major questions at quarterback or overall roster consistency.

The Buccaneers also spent the offseason aggressively rebuilding parts of the defense after uneven play plagued the unit at times in 2025. Tampa Bay added younger defensive pieces like Rueben Bain Jr. and Josiah Trotter, while veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone was brought in to help stabilize the middle of Todd Bowles’ defense.

That balance between youth and experience may end up defining Tampa Bay’s season. The Buccaneers clearly wanted to become faster and more disruptive defensively without completely sacrificing communication and veteran leadership within the front seven. The NFC South still looks competitive on paper.

The Carolina Panthers appear improved, the Atlanta Falcons still carry offensive firepower, and the New Orleans Saints remain capable of making life difficult inside the division. Even with those variables, Tampa Bay continues to be viewed nationally as the safest overall pick to finish on top of the NFC South entering 2026. This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bleacher Report projects a top NFC South in 2026