The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons will open their 2025 NFL season with a divisional showdown in Atlanta. The game takes place on Sunday, September 7, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time and the game will air on FOX.
This matchup marks the first step in the NFC South race. The Buccaneers enter their 50th season aiming to defend the division title, while the Falcons look to start strong at home with a new roster mix and fresh energy.
Fans want to know the start time, TV channel, and how to stream the game live. This guide brings you all the key details along with radio access, preview and our prediction.
Buccaneers vs Falcons Key Game Info
The Bucs and Falcons meet in Atlanta to kick off the new NFL season. Here are the main details you need before kickoff.
| Date | Sunday, September 7, 2025 |
| Kickoff Time | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA |
| TV Channel | FOX |
| Streaming | NFL+ (US mobile), FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, DAZN Game Pass International |
What Time Does the Buccaneers vs Falcons Start?
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, September 7, 2025. That is 12:00 p.m. Central Time for fans in Atlanta, 11:00 a.m. Mountain Time, and 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
The game will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, giving the Falcons home field advantage to open the season.
Where to Watch Buccaneers vs Falcons on TV
Fans in the United States can watch the Buccaneers vs Falcons game live on FOX. The network will carry this NFC South matchup across most regions as part of its Sunday afternoon schedule.
In Tampa, local coverage will be available through the FOX affiliate WTVT-TV. Fans in Atlanta can watch on the local FOX station WAGA-TV. Both markets will have full game coverage.
Buccaneers vs Falcons Live Stream Options
Fans have multiple ways to watch the game online. The most direct option is NFL+, which streams live games on mobile and tablet devices in the United States.
Several live TV streaming platforms also carry FOX, including FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV. Each service offers national FOX coverage with regional availability based on location.
International fans can watch through DAZN with NFL Game Pass International, which streams every NFL game live outside the United States.
Can you Watch Buccaneers vs Falcons for Free?
Yes. Fans can watch the Buccaneers vs Falcons game free by using trial offers from streaming services that carry FOX. Platforms like FuboTV and YouTube TV often include free trial periods for new users.
Radio coverage is also available at no cost. Local team stations and the NFL app will stream live audio so fans can follow the game without a paid subscription.
Radio and Audio Streaming Coverage
The Buccaneers Radio Network will broadcast the game live across Florida with full play-by-play and postgame coverage. Fans in Georgia can listen through the Falcons Radio Network, which carries games across the Southeast.
National coverage will be available on Westwood One, and subscribers to SiriusXM NFL Radio can listen on satellite radio nationwide.
For mobile listeners, NFL+ also provides live audio streaming of every NFL game.
Buccaneers vs Falcons Game Preview and Our Prediction
The Buccaneers start their 50th season looking to defend another NFC South title. Baker Mayfield returns as the starter with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin giving him reliable targets.
The defense remains a strength with Vita Vea anchoring the line and Lavonte David leading the linebackers. The main concern is the offensive line. All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs is sidelined after knee surgery, which could test protection early.
The Falcons enter Week 1 with new energy. Kirk Cousins makes his regular season debut in Atlanta, and Bijan Robinson is expected to be a major factor in the offense.
Rookie defenders Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr. will step into starting roles, showing the team’s confidence in their draft class. Injuries on the offensive line could create challenges against Tampa Bay’s pass rush.
This divisional game is likely to be close. Both teams have strong playmakers, but Tampa Bay’s experience and defensive stability may prove decisive.
Our Prediction: Buccaneers 27, Falcons 24. Tampa Bay’s defense and late-game execution give them the edge in a tough road matchup.
