In April, we did game-by-game predictions of the 2015 season, and I had the Tampa Bay Buccaneers going 8-8. We're re-doing the predictions based on what we've seen in training camp and the preseason. I'm changing some of the outcomes, but not the result. I'm sticking with 8-8 because I believe the Bucs will be one of the more improved teams in the NFL.
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13, Tennessee, 4:25 p.m.
This will be a matchup of the top two picks in the draft -- quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota. They both looked sharp in training camp. But I'm giving the edge to the Bucs because I believe they have the better defense. Score: Bucs 24, Titans 13. Record: 1-0.
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20, at New Orleans, 1 p.m.
The Saints have a different look with Jimmy Graham gone. But they still have Drew Brees. They're also at home and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome is one of the league's toughest venues for visiting teams. Score: Saints 31, Bucs 13. Record: 1-1.
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27, at Houston, 1 p.m.
The Texans are a hard team to read. The Bucs haven't won in Houston since the Texans have been there. That's about to change. Score: Bucs 17, Texans 16. Record: 2-1.
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4, Carolina, 1 p.m.
The Bucs haven't fared well against the rest of the NFC South in recent years. That's not ready to change. Score: Panthers 24, Bucs 17. Record: 2-2.
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11, Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
The Bucs don't have to worry about being the worst team in Florida, as long as the Jaguars are around. Score: Bucs 28, Jaguars 10. Record: 3-2.
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25, at Washington, 1 p.m.
The Bucs have had success at Washington in recent years, but not this time. Score: Redskins 21, Bucs 17. Record: 3-3.
Week 8: Sunday, Nov. 1, at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Coach Dan Quinn will make Atlanta's defense better and we all know about Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Roddy White. Score: Falcons 28, Bucs 13. Record: 3-4.
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8, New York Giants, 4:05 p.m.
The Bucs take advantage of being at home for a change. Score: Bucs 24, Giants 21. Record: 4-4.
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 15, Dallas, 1 p.m.
The home-field advantage won't be enough against the Cowboys. Score: Cowboys 28, Bucs 13. Record: 4-5.
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.
This is the toughest part of the schedule and it could be a cold-weather game. We all know the Bucs have not historically fared well in cold weather. Score: Eagles 20, Bucs 13. Record: 4-6.
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 29, at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.
Another tough road game. By this point, Tampa Bay should have a solid defense. But it won't be good enough to stop Andrew Luck. Score: Colts 28, Bucs 14. Record: 4-7.
Week 13: Dec. 6, Atlanta, 1 p.m.
The home-field advantage should be enough for the Bucs to finally get an NFC South win. Score: Bucs 20, Falcons 17. Record: 5-7.
Week 14: Dec. 13, New Orleans, 1 p.m.
The Saints aren't nearly as good outdoors as they are in their own dome. Score: Bucs 21, Saints 20. Record: 6-7.
Week 15: Dec. 17, at St. Louis, 8:25 p.m.
The Bucs make their only prime-time appearance and they do it against a team they can beat. Score: Bucs 24, Rams 14. Record: 7-7.
Week 16: Dec. 27, Chicago, 1 p.m.
This game carries extra meaning for coach Lovie Smith, who was fired by the Bears. Score: Bucs 17, Bears 14. Record: 8-7.
Week 17: Jan. 3, at Carolina, 1 p.m.
This game could have playoff implications for the Panthers. Score: Panthers 27, Bucs 14. Record: 8-8.