Bucs Favored to Win Fifth Straight NFC South Despite Questions

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2025 season widely expected to win a fifth consecutive NFC South title, but questions about quarterback play, a third offensive coordinator in three years and early injuries temper the optimism. League-wide projections and national pundits have pegged Tampa Bay as the division favorite, while the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints all present distinct reasons they could disrupt the Bucs’ bid.

An average of division beat writers’ predicted win totals puts Tampa Bay atop the NFC South at roughly 10-7, with Atlanta, Carolina and New Orleans projected in descending order. Analysts on a national sports talk show unanimously picked the Buccaneers to repeat, and a separate analytic projection gives them roughly a 49 percent chance of winning the division and a near 59 percent chance of reaching the playoffs. Those endorsements reflect roster continuity and offseason reinforcements, but also underline the fine margins that will determine whether Tampa Bay becomes the first team to win five straight division crowns.

General manager moves and the draft fortified both lines of scrimmage for the Bucs and added playmakers on offense...