Jets vs Buccaneers: Kickoff Time, Injuries, Predictions, and Everything You Need to Know for Week 3 Showdown
The NFL Week 3 clash between the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is set to be one of the most talked-about games of the early season. With the Jets struggling at 0-2 and the Buccaneers riding high at 2-0, this matchup offers fans a storyline filled with injuries, quarterback shake-ups, and critical battles on both sides of the ball. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect.
Jets vs Buccaneers Game Details
The game will be played on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Fans can watch the action live on FOX, while streaming options include Fubo and several NFL streaming services.
Quick Game Information Table
| Matchup | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams | New York Jets (0-2) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) |
| Date | Sunday, September 21, 2025 |
| Time | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| Location | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL |
| Broadcast | FOX, Fubo streaming |
Quarterback Drama and Injury Concerns
The Jets face a major setback with Justin Fields sidelined due to a concussion sustained in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills. In his absence, veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor will lead the offense. While Taylor showed composure in limited snaps last week, questions remain about whether he can carry the Jets to their first win of the season.
On the Buccaneers’ side, injury concerns have also mounted. Key playmakers are affected:
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Chris Godwin (ankle) – Out
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Tristan Wirfs (knee) – Out
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Emeka Egbuka (hip/groin) – Questionable, expected to play
The absence of Godwin and Wirfs is significant, but Tampa Bay still has experienced weapons like Mike Evans and a steady presence at quarterback with Baker Mayfield.
Key Matchups That Could Decide the Game
Several head-to-head battles will shape the outcome:
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Mike Evans vs Sauce Gardner – With Godwin sidelined, Evans becomes the top receiving threat. Gardner will likely shadow him throughout the game.
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Jets offensive line vs Buccaneers pass rush – Protecting Tyrod Taylor is critical if New York wants to keep up offensively.
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Jets defense vs Baker Mayfield’s poise – Tampa Bay has thrived in late-game situations, and Mayfield’s composure under pressure has been decisive.
Betting Odds and Expert Predictions
Sportsbooks currently favor the Buccaneers by 6.5 to 7 points, with an over/under hovering around 43 to 43.5. Analysts believe Tampa Bay’s consistency and the Jets’ offensive struggles make the Buccaneers strong favorites.
Predicted Scoreline
| Team | Predicted Points |
|---|---|
| Buccaneers | 30 |
| Jets | 17 |
Most projections see the Buccaneers maintaining their unbeaten run, with their defense making life difficult for Tyrod Taylor.
Why the Buccaneers Have the Edge
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Momentum: Tampa Bay has opened the season with two dramatic wins, showing resilience in close games.
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Experience: Mayfield and Evans form a proven duo that can exploit mismatches.
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Depth: Even with injuries, the Buccaneers have enough offensive weapons to pressure New York’s defense.
Why the Jets Face an Uphill Battle
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Loss of Justin Fields: A concussion rules out their starter, forcing the Jets to adapt quickly with Taylor.
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Defensive struggles: The Jets have allowed high point totals in their first two games.
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Limited offensive depth: Injuries and inconsistency have hampered the Jets’ ability to finish drives.
Final Thoughts
The Jets vs Buccaneers matchup is shaping up as a test of resilience for both teams. The Buccaneers aim to stay unbeaten despite losing key starters, while the Jets hope Tyrod Taylor can spark an upset. All signs point toward Tampa Bay extending its winning streak, but the Jets’ defense could keep the contest closer than many expect if they manage to disrupt Mayfield’s rhythm early.
