Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2011 Schedule: Top 5 Must-Win Games

The 2011 NFL schedules have been released, meaning that, despite a pending lockout, we are one step closer to Tampa Bay Buccaneers football.

One year removed from a vastly over-achieving season, and Belichick’s highway robbery of Raheem Morris’s Coach of the Year title (likely due to the “Best team in the NFL” comment), the Tampa Bay Bucs are back, to prove that their 2010 campaign was not a fluke.

Bad news for the Bucs, however, their road to the playoffs in 2011 isn’t nearly as scenic and well-paved as last year’s. While the Bucs did sweep the Carolina Panthers, a task that could have been completed by the Florida Atlantic Owls, they lost both against the Falcons, while splitting the year against the New Orleans Saints. The rest of 2010’s list of foes wasn’t exactly impressive either: the Bucs’ other seven victories came against teams with a combined record of 40-72.

This year’s lineup presents a bit more of a struggle as Tampa Bay will travel to face the reigning Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, and take on the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts at Raymond James. The 2011 campaign is Tampa Bay's chance to define themselves. It is a must-win season. Let’s break down the Bucs’ top must-win matchups of the 2011 season.

Home vs. Detroit Lions, Week 1

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 19: Kicker Dave Rayner #3 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with holder Nick Harris #2 the winning field goal in overtime against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Tampa, Florida.

The Buccaneers' 10-6 season was due in large part to a strong start. The key to the Bucs' success this year lies in their first matchup. Plus an added twist...

There likely won't be fireworks from this one. And certainly neither team will be a parade for being on the winning end. But this game is a big one for the Bucs. Detroit went into Raymond James Stadium last year having lost every road game in the last three seasons.

That is 26 games without a win. But they walked out with a victory. In overtime. With a backup quarterback. The sour taste still in the mouths of Bucs players, coaches and fans, so this matchup will be all about redemption.

Home vs. Atlanta Falcons, Week 3

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 05: Tight end John Gilmore #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches a touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

While a strong overall finish is a dominant way to show you've arrived, in order to really prove that the Bucs are a legitimate powerhouse in the NFL, they must topple the division powerhouse Atlanta Falcons. With a strong showing against the Falcons, the Buccaneers will prove that their youth is a defining quality rather than a weakness.

Away vs. Chicago Bears, Week 7 (London)

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 21: Jerramy Stevens #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball against Mike Brown #30 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 21, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois. The Buccaneers won 27-24 in OT. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/

Another London game: likely rainy and muddy and low-scoring. But the Bucs should treat this game as a big deal. The Bears managed to make the NFC Championship game last year, and they did so with a stout defense. Josh Freeman will have to show how much he has developed in this matchup across the pond.

Home vs. Houston Texans, Week 10

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 02: Wide receiver Arrelious Benn #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers leaps over cornerback Jacques Reeves #35 of the Houston Texans for a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo b

On first glance, this game might not look like an impressive matchup. But this will be a competition between two of the youngest teams in the NFL. With the edge at home, the Bucs have a chance to show their defensive mettle again a strong Houston Texans offense. And their basically sophomore year crew will have to put up points to match.

Away vs. Green Bay Packers, Week 11

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TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 08: Running back Ahman Green #34 of the Green Bay Packers is tackled by linebacker Barrett Ruud #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on November 8, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated t

Outside of the NFC South Division, this matchup is their only real challenge on the road. The Battle of the Bays moves to Green Bay this year.

Beyond the Packers being the defending Super Bowl winners, the Bucs will have to highlight their talent in the cold. Green Bay in November isn't as bad as Green Bay in December or January, but going into Lambeau is always a test. The Bucs will have to step up in this game or the rest of the season might be a long one.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2011 Season Prediction

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 19: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stands in the huddle with teammates against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Street

So, why not, let's man up and make a prediction.

With only three challenging road games, the Bucs should come out with a winning record outside of Tampa Bay. The home games are tougher, but the youth and determination will carry over from last year.

Josh Freeman and Raheem Morris have both grown up. And, the team who many predicted to be a bust last year, have a full season under their belt.

Key victories over the Falcons, Saints, Bears and Titans lead Tampa Bay to its second straight 10-6 record. Whether that is good enough to make the playoffs is another story.