Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New York Jets Picks and Predictions for Friday, August 14th, 2026
Buccaneers vs Jets Game Information
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers open the 2026 preseason Friday night with a 7:00 PM matchup in East Rutherford, NJ, inside MetLife Stadium against the New York Jets. Tampa Bay comes into this season looking to improve on their mediocrity from a year ago, after finishing 8-9 overall following a 6-2 start before their bye week. The New York Jets come into the 2026 preseason looking to avoid another down year following a grueling season a year ago. New York finished at the bottom of the league last year with only 3 wins after losing their first 7 games of the season. Stay in the news with our NFL Picks.
Buccaneers Preview
Baker Mayfield returns this season under center for Tampa Bay, though he did not get the big contract he was looking for. Mayfield led Tampa Bay last year with 3,693 yards and 26 scores on 343 completions. Bucky Irving will be the lead ball carrier back this season for Tampa Bay after 588 yards and 1 score on 173 carries last year through only 10 games. Emeke Egbuka returns looking to again lead Tampa Bay after 938 yards and 6 touchdowns on 63 catches last season through 17 games played.
Jets Preview
The New York Jets will have a new-look offense this season as their top 2 quarterbacks from a year ago are no longer on the roster. Veteran Geno Smith has been named the starter for New York coming into the year and will likely see a lot of reps on Friday. Breece Hall returns as the leader of the backfield for New York after posting 1065 yards and 4 scores on 243 carries a year ago. Garrett Wilson will likely be the top target in the New York offense again this year after leading the team with 395 yards and 4 scores across 7 games.
Buccaneers vs Jets Pick
Expect Tampa Bay to take control early and overcome its absences, cruising to a road victory against New York. The Buccaneers struggled immensely in the second half of last season and enter Friday night short-handed, but they remain the better team in this matchup.
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- Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers +5.5
- Secondary: Under 35.5
Final Score Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers win and cover 17-13.
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