The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had their fair share of iconic matchups and intense rivalries over the years.
As a noteworthy team in the NFL, it’s natural for fans to have favorite and least favorite opponents, with some rivalries running deeper than others.
In this article, we aim to explore the Tampa Bay Buccaneers most significant rivalries that have shaped the team’s history, creating unforgettable moments on the field and fostering passionate discussions among fans.
Perhaps the most well-known of these rivalries involves the New Orleans Saints, the Carolina Panthers, and the Atlanta Falcons – all part of the NFC South Division alongside the Buccaneers.
These inter-divisional rivalries have been forged through years of competition, as the teams vie for supremacy within the NFC South.
These heated matchups have not only fueled the spirit of competition but also brought out some of the most memorable performances from both sides, showcasing the immense talent within the division.
Another storied rivalry goes beyond the boundaries of the NFC South, with the Philadelphia Eagles and Buccaneers sharing a rich history full of unforgettable moments.
This rivalry really took off in the late 1970s and early 2000s when the Buccaneers managed to clinch their first-ever playoff win against the Eagles.
As you delve into this article, you’ll discover more in-depth information about these rivalries, providing insight into the competitive landscape that has shaped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ journey over the years.
Historical Rivals
New Orleans Saints
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints have had a longstanding rivalry since both teams are part of the NFC South Division, and they have faced each other in some intense matchups.
This rivalry has seen many memorable moments and close games, resulting in fans of both teams eagerly anticipating their meetings each season.
One noteworthy moment in this rivalry occurred in 2003 when the Saints’ kicker John Carney missed the game-tying extra point, resulting in a Buccaneers’ win.
The rivalry continues to grow as the teams face off twice a year, adding new memorable moments to their storied histories.
Carolina Panthers
The rivalry with the Carolina Panthers began when the Panthers joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1995.
The Buccaneers and Panthers have squared off in numerous heated contests since then, with both teams vying for division supremacy and playoff spots.
In recent memory, the Buccaneers and the Panthers have provided fans with thrilling games, such as their 2016 matchup where the Buccaneers’ kicker Roberto Aguayo converted a last-second field goal to win the game 17-14.
As both teams continue to battle for NFC South superiority, their rivalry remains fierce and engaging for fans of both franchises.
Atlanta Falcons
Another prominent rival of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is the Atlanta Falcons. Like the other mentioned teams, the Falcons are part of the NFC South Division, leading to regular matchups between the two teams.
This rivalry, while not as storied as some of the others, has still generated plenty of exciting moments and dramatic finishes.
A notable highlight in the Buccaneers-Falcons rivalry took place in 2012 when the Buccaneers narrowly defeated the Falcons 22-17, dashing Atlanta’s hopes for a first-round playoff bye.
As long as both teams compete in the same division, the rivalry between the Buccaneers and the Falcons will continue to flourish and provide fans with hard-fought battles.
Divisional Rivals
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a rich history of rivalries in the NFL. Some of their biggest rivals are part of the NFC South Division.
New Orleans Saints
The rivalry between the Buccaneers and Saints dates back to their early days as NFL franchises. Since the arrival of Drew Brees in New Orleans in 2006, the Saints have emerged as one of the most consistent competitors for Tampa Bay. The matchup between these two teams always generates some excitement, mainly due to their passionate fan bases.
Carolina Panthers
The rivalry between the Buccaneers and Panthers is a classic divisional feud, based on their history of intense and hard-fought games. The Panthers and Buccaneers both joined the NFC South at the same time, adding fuel to their rivalry. Although it hasn’t produced any earthshaking playoff scenarios, it’s a matchup NFL fans love to watch.
Atlanta Falcons
Last but not least, the rivalry between the Buccaneers and Falcons has also had its fair share of tense moments. Just like the Saints, the Falcons have enjoyed some successful seasons, making this duel even more captivating for the fans. The familiarity that comes from playing each other twice per season adds an extra layer of intensity to this rivalry.
To sum it up, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have some longstanding divisional foes in the NFC South, which have culminated in some memorable moments and fierce competitions over the years. Fans of the team and football enthusiasts in general have these games marked on their calendars each year, as they provide some of the most electrifying action in the NFL.
Recent Rivalries
Kansas City Chiefs
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had their share of exciting and hard-fought games against the Kansas City Chiefs in recent years.
In 2020, the two teams faced off in the Super Bowl, where the Buccaneers came out on top, defeating the Chiefs 31-9. Tom Brady managed to secure his seventh Super Bowl title, with the Bucs showcasing their strong offense and defense.
The game cemented a rivalry that continues to generate buzz and excitement among fans on game days.
Since then, the intensity between the two teams has only grown. Regular season matchups have displayed the prowess of both teams as they battle for supremacy on the field. Fans can always expect a thrilling, high-stakes game when these two rivals clash.
Los Angeles Rams
Another recent rivalry the Buccaneers have faced is against the Los Angeles Rams. These two teams have had a few memorable matches in recent years.
Their meetings have often been closely contested and highly entertaining, which has helped to establish a growing rivalry.
In September 2020, the Buccaneers and the Rams locked horns in an unforgettable game that ended with a 27-24 victory for the Rams. With both teams playing aggressively and making crucial plays, the excitement was palpable throughout the entire game.
The Buccaneers got their revenge in September 2021 when they defeated the Rams, 30-20, in the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs. This thrilling victory marked an important milestone for the Buccaneers, who went on to win the Super Bowl that season.
These back-and-forth meetings have only served to fuel the fire between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Rams, setting the stage for more heated battles in the future.
Geographical and State Rivals
Miami Dolphins
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers share an in-state rivalry with the Miami Dolphins. This rivalry, although not as intense as divisional matchups, is significant due to the proximity of the teams.
Both franchises have been part of the National Football League (NFL) for quite some time – the Dolphins since 1966 and the Buccaneers since 1976.
The two teams face each other mostly during the preseason, as they belong to different conferences (the Buccaneers are in the NFC and the Dolphins in the AFC). That being said, when they do face off in the regular season, the matches can be quite competitive.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Another in-state rival of the Buccaneers is the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars, established in 1995, are a relatively young franchise compared to the Buccaneers and Dolphins.
However, their proximity in the state of Florida has fostered a friendly rivalry nonetheless.
Similar to the Dolphins-Buccaneers rivalry, the Jaguars and Buccaneers don’t typically play each other often, due to being in different conferences. Despite this, their irregular matchups can stir up excitement for fans and players alike, as the competition for Florida supremacy is very much alive.
While geography plays a significant role in the Buccaneer’s rivalries with the Dolphins and Jaguars, their primary rivalries stem from their divisional opponents.
Even so, these in-state matchups provide additional entertainment and friendly competition for both the Buccaneers and their Floridian counterparts.
James is a big time NBA Golden State follower, who makes sure to catch games when he's in the area. He likes to follow International Soccer, with an interest in small town soccer club, Blackburn Rovers located in the North on the UK.