CBS Sports projects Buccaneers to miss the 2026 NFL playoffs

CBS Sports analyst John Breech predicts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will finish the 2026 NFL season with a 7-10 record. This projection places the team second in the NFC South behind the New Orleans Saints, who are forecast to win the division with an 8-9 record. The prediction suggests a decline from the Buccaneers' 8-9 finish in 2025 and a departure from the analyst's previous forecast that the team would win the division last year. If the results unfold as predicted, the Buccaneers would remain excluded from the NFC playoff field. Breech also expects Kellen Moore to earn the Coach of the Year award despite the Saints' sub-.500 record. The upcoming season marks another attempt for the Tampa Bay franchise to improve upon its performance following consecutive losing records.

• 3:45 PMYahoo Sports — CBS Sports predicts disappointing 2026 season for Bucs