Prior to the season this week’s matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers looked to have the potential of being a clash between two of the top teams in the NFC. Three weeks into the season, both teams are in desperation mode.

Coming into Sunday’s game the Buccaneers are 0-3 to start a season for the first time since 2014 and the Packers (1-2) have just one win through the first three weeks for the first time since 2018. Tampa Bay lost starting quarterback Baker Mayfield with a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand last week and will turn to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels, who will be making his first-career start. Green Bay will have an entirely new offensive line combination after averaging a league-worst 48.7 rushing yards per game and just 18.7 points per game.

Both teams are in desperate need of a win if they want to keep any hopes of making the playoffs alive.

A win against their former NFC Central rivals would leave the door slightly open for the Buccaneers to advance to the postseason. Since 1990, about 14 percent of the teams that started 1-3 have overcome the deficit to make the playoffs. However, if Tampa Bay falls to Green Bay, the odds of making the playoffs take a dramatic drop. 

Only one team in NFL history has bounced back from an 0-4 start to make the playoffs—the 1992 San Diego Chargers. The Bobby Ross-led Chargers went on to not only win 11 of their final 12 games, but also claimed the AFC West Division title.

A win by the Packers against the Buccaneers would keep them on the playoff bubble. Since 1990, about 40 percent of teams that start 2-2 make the playoffs. 

Things have not gone according to plan so far for first-year Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Through the first three games the Buccaneers’ offense is near the bottom of the league in every important category even with Mayfield under center. The Buccaneers are No. 28 in total yards (279.3 yards per game), No. 27 in passing yards (185.0 ypg), No. 24 in rushing yards (94.3 ypg) and No. 19 in points scored (20.7 points per game). The offense has committed seven turnovers and has a conversion rate of just 33 percent on third down.

Last season under former offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard the offense averaged 322.3 total ypg, 191.7 ypg through the air, 130.7 ypg on the ground, 24 ppg and converted 41 percent on third down through the first three games.

Thanks to a depleted offensive line, the Packers’ offense has been about as dreadful so far this season. Behind quarterback Jordan Love, the Packers are No. 17 in total yards (315.3 ypg), last in the NFL in rushing yards (48.7 ypg) and No. 24 in points (18.7 ppg). The lone bright spot has been the passing game as Green Bay is No. 4 in passing yards, averaging 266.7 ypg. The Packers have only converted 28 percent on third down through three games.

Facing an undrafted rookie quarterback making his first-career start in the NFL might seemingly give the Packers’ defense the advantage on paper, the Buccaneers’ defense might be the best unit on the field on Sunday.

Despite giving up 26.3 ppg (No. 23), Tampa Bay is No. 6 in the league in total yards allowed (282.7 ypg), No. 2 against the run (76.0 ypg) and No. 11 against the pass (206.7 ypg).They have only forced two turnovers so far, but are holding opposing offenses to converting 36 percent on third down.

Without standout defensive end Micah Parsons the Green Bay defense has been torched on the ground. Opposing offenses have averaged 138.7 rushing yards per game (4.1 yards per attempt) and have gained 27 first downs running the ball. The Packers are No. 29 in points allowed (30.3 ppg) and are allowing teams to convert 50 percent on third down.

The two teams met for the first time in 1977 and spent 25 years together in the NFC Central until the league expanded and realigned in 2002. The Packers lead the all-time series 33-23-1 but the Buccaneers have won three of the last five meetings, including the last meeting in 2023 with a 34-20 win at Lambeau Field. The last time Green Bay won at Tampa Bay came in a 14-12 win in 2022.

The Packers are favored by 3.5 and the point total for the game is 38.5. Kickoff for Sunday’s game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium.