Why Chris Mathis Believes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Are Legit NFC Contenders in 2026

On this episode featuring Chris Mathis, the conversation turns to a big-picture question surrounding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: are they truly contenders—or just pretenders—in the race for the NFC in 2026? Chris Mathis breaks down why he leans toward “contenders,” pointing to the team’s structural strengths, coaching stability, and the continued competitiveness of their core roster. While acknowledging inconsistencies and questions that still linger on offense, he argues that Tampa Bay’s ability to stay in tight games and compete against top NFC opponents keeps them firmly in the conversation. The episode also explores what skeptics are pointing to—depth concerns, division pressure, and whether the team has enough firepower to beat elite NFC teams in January. But Mathis pushes back, suggesting that in today’s NFC landscape, consistency and defense can still carry a team further than flash alone. It’s a debate that splits fans: are the Buccaneers quietly building something sustainable, or are they being overrated heading into a make-or-break season?