The Buccaneers Are Back in the National Spotlight—But Can They Keep It?
Remember the glory days when Tom Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to weekly national TV appearances? Well, lightning might be striking twice. For the first time in years, the Bucs are must-watch TV again, with their upcoming showdown against the San Francisco 49ers set to dominate airwaves this Sunday. But here’s the catch: this resurgence could vanish as quickly as it came if they don’t deliver a win.
This isn’t just another game—it’s a potential playoff tiebreaker in the making, much like their critical victory last week in Seattle. And the stakes are reflected in the broadcast coverage: a whopping 70% of the U.S. will have access to the game for free on CBS affiliates, including every corner of Florida and even far-flung fans in Alaska and Hawaii. (Yes, Aloha and waqaa to our island viewers!)
But here’s where it gets controversial... If you’re in the upper Midwest or Rust Belt regions, you’re out of luck—unless you’re willing to shell out for NFL Sunday Ticket or head to a sports bar. And let’s be real: is there a better place to watch than Hooters? Cold beer, sizzling wings, wall-to-wall screens, and, of course, the iconic Hooters vibe. (Though some might argue the distractions outweigh the game—what do you think?)
The broadcast team is top-tier, with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo (Eastern Illinois’ finest) calling the action alongside Tracy Wolfson. Meanwhile, the late CBS coverage map breaks it down:
- Red Zone: San Francisco at Tampa Bay (the main event)
- Blue Zone: Cincinnati at Green Bay (for those not caught up in Bucs mania)
And this is the part most people miss... This surge in popularity hinges entirely on performance. Win, and the Bucs solidify their place as a national darling. Lose, and they risk fading back into obscurity. So, Bucs fans, are you ready to ride this wave—or are you bracing for a letdown? Sound off in the comments: Is this resurgence the real deal, or just a fleeting moment in the spotlight?
(TV map data courtesy of 506Sports.com, your go-source for broadcast coverage.)
