NFL predictions 2020: Buccaneers final record projection, Super Bowl odds & more to know

No NFL team has more buzz going into the 2020 season than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and it's all because of the GOAT. Tom Brady, after 20 seasons and six Super Bowl rings with the Patriots, has changed addresses from the AFC East to the NFC South and brought a lot of high hopes he can lead another team to a championship.

Soon after Brady decided to sign with the Bucs, he also was able to bring Rob Gronkowski, his future Hall of Fame tight end from New England, out of retirement. Brady replaces Jameis Winston as the starting quarterback and inherits two top wide receivers, too, in Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.

The Bucs finished 7-9 last season, improving because of the league's No. 1 run defense, a much-improved pass rush and a prolific passing game with Winston in the first season under coach Bruce Arians. They were on the upward swing to the point an accomplished veteran QB who protects the ball was capable of putting them over the top.

Is it Tampa's time again to push for a second Super Bowl? Here's.a breakdown of the Buccaneers' bright near future

MORE NFL PREDICTIONS:
SN's complete 2020 standings projections & playoff picks

Buccaneers record prediction for 2020

• Record: 12-4
• Division: No. 1 in NFC South
• Playoffs: No. 2 seed in NFC

The Bucs' five-game upgrade may seem aggressive, but it's not just because of Brady. On top of Gronkowski offensively, the Bucs also upgraded right tackle with first-round rookie Tristan Wirfs and got deeper in the backfield with rookie Ke'Shawn Vaughn and veterans Leonard Fournette and LeSean McCoy. They have few weaknesses and can beat teams, short, intermediate and deep with varied personnel packages, including their new base two-tight end sets.

Defensively, Ndamukong Suh and Shaquill Barrett were huge pickups in 2019 and they remain anchors of the front seven. The secondary made strides late last season and now adds a top playmaking safety in rookie Antoine Winfield Jr. Recent first-rounders Vita Vea and Devin White should make the middle stronger for Todd Bowles. The Bucs suddenly have significant range and depth. 

Arians has a great track record leading teams to division titles and gaudy records, also getting the best out of QBs old and young. The Bucs are his next Colts or Cardinals and he's a good post-Bill Belichick leadership fit with Brady. 

Buccaneers 2020 win total, Super Bowl odds

• Win total: Over/under 9 1/2
• Super Bowl odds: +1200 (fifth best)

The Bucs should easily clear 10-6, making attacking their rather low win total a good bet. The number is a bit conservative because the Saints remain strong in the South, riding three consecutive division titles and the fact a quarter of the NFC is very good.

Along with that, the Bucs' 12-1 return as Super Bowl champions has nice appeal, too. Brady didn't end his time with the Patriots well with an ugly playoff loss to the Titans. He's been driven and motivated to prove the Patriots wrong from the get-go and can take full advantage of his supporting cast to be in prime playoff position again.

Buccaneers schedule 2020

The Bucs may stumble early with the Saints on the road pitting Brady vs. Drew Brees, but their first half is rather favorable to the point they can roll into the rematch with a chance to take over the division lead. They also have a well-timed bye late between their two toughest home games, vs. Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs and vs. Kirk Cousins' Vikings.

Beyond the six games vs. the NFC South, drawing the AFC West and NFC North is a reasonable break The Bucs can score with anyone and can force teams to pass to keep up with Brady and his new weapons. Watch out for them winning a lot more of those high-scoring games.

Below is the Buccaneers' complete schedule for the 2020 season.