Buccaneers vs Jets Game Analysis and Preview
The Jets host the Buccaneers this Friday for their first preseason action with us at PayPerHead.
The Jets have made some changes over the off-season as they work through their rebuild mode. They replaced a large chunk of their staff and added players, making the defense look good on paper at least. Head coach Aaron Glenn will return for his second season. Veteran QB Geno Smith is also returning and will lead the offense for the first time since 2016.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Recent Scores
The Buccaneers finished second in the NFC South with an 8-9 record, behind the Carolina Panthers. They had a promising 6-2 start in the 2025 season, but after their bye week, they lost seven of the remaining nine games. It was their first losing season since 2022. They were eliminated from the playoffs the day after their last game when the Falcons defeated the Saints. It was the first time the Buccaneers missed the playoffs since 2019.
Injuries took a toll on the team as Mike Evans missed nine games with a hamstring injury and a broken clavicle, ending his streak of 11 consecutive seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards. Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Baker Mayfield all ended up on the injury list, with Mayfield having extensive issues.
New York Jets Recent Scores
The Jets had a dismal 2025 season, finishing at the bottom of the AFC East with a 3-14 record. It’s part of a long 10-year streak of losing seasons. On top of that, they officially hold the longest drought without a playoff appearance in the four major sports leagues. Their last appearance was in January, 2011.
Buccaneers vs Jets History Through the Years
The Buccaneers played the Jets in 2025 and beat them 29-17. In fact, Tampa Bay beat New York in the last three meetings. But prior to that, the Jets won 8 in a row, resulting in an overall record of 10-4 against the Buccaneers.
Prior to this preseason game, these teams had two days of joint practices, which led to several fights, even after the teams tried to calm things down after the first day. It could have something to do with Jets rookie David Bailey, who had his way with the Bucs’ offensive line.
The Bucs’ backup QB, Jake Browning, appeared to injure his back during the joint practice.
Friday night could end up being a lot more intense than most preseason games!
feels good to be back pic.twitter.com/nub2uEM7VQ
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 14, 2026
Buccaneers vs Jets Prediction and Final Score
The Jets’ head coach said he’ll be playing everybody, which includes starting quarterback Geno Smith. Tampa Bay’s head coach, Todd Bowles, confirmed that starting quarterback Baker Mayfield will not be playing. If backup QB Browning is indeed injured, they’ll have to rely on a third-stringer like Connor Bazelak or Jalon Daniels. Most starters will sit or play very limited snaps.
New York is the favorite in this game by about 6 points, due to them playing their starters. That should get them ahead quickly, but can they maintain a lead for 2 to 3 quarters after the starters sit?
It looks like the Bucs are more interested in evaluating their newcomers than the Jets are. But considering the mayhem occurring during joint practice, this one might get interesting.
Our Buccaneers vs Jets prediction is a 20-13 win for the Jets.
