The Buccaneers are packing their bags for Steel City, gearing up for a preseason cross-conference clash with the Steelers — a meeting between two sides fresh off playoff appearances last year.
Tampa Bay is eyeing another NFC South crown, while Pittsburgh looks to stretch head coach Mike Tomlin's remarkable streak to a 19th straight winning campaign. Both squads hit the ground running in Week 1 of preseason, each notching an opening victory, with kickoff at Acrisure Stadium set for 7 pm ET.
READ MORE: Fubo Review: Pricing, plans, subscriptions, free trials and more
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Date and kick-off time
Steelers will take on Bucs in a highly anticipated NFL game onSaturday, August 16, 2025 at 7:00 pm ET or 4:00 pm PT, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States.
| Date | Saturday, August 16, 2025 |
| Kick-off Time | 7:00 pm ET or 4:00 pm PT |
| Venue | Acrisure Stadium |
| Location | East Rutherford, New Jersey |
How to watch Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers on TV & stream live online
TV channel: WFLA (NBC/8 - Tampa), KDKA (CBS/2 - Pittsburgh)
Streaming service: Fubo
Watching NFL action this season just got easier, and more versatile, with a mix of traditional TV broadcasts and exclusive streaming options. When it comes to convenience and coverage, Fubo stands out as one of the most user-friendly ways to catch nearly every down and touchdown.
With access to nearly 200 channels, Fubo lets fans tune in to all the key networks that carry NFL games, including CBS, NBC for Sunday Night Football, Fox for Sunday NFC clashes, ABC, ESPN for Monday Night Football, and the NFL Network. That means you’re covered for almost every regular season and playoff matchup. Want even more action? You can tack on NFL RedZone for an extra $11/month and stay locked into every scoring drive from around the league on Sundays.
While Amazon Prime Video remains the exclusive home for Thursday Night Football in 2025, fans in local team markets can still stream those primetime matchups through Fubo, making it a flexible all-in-one option.
And it's not just football — Fubo is loaded with sports content. From MLB, NBA, and NHL games to MLS and international soccer, there's something for every fan year-round. Right now, Fubo's sweetening the deal for new subscribers with $20 off your first month of the Pro or Elite plan, and $5 off the Latino package.
Streaming the game with a VPN
Unable to watch this game due to broadcast restrictions? A VPN could be the answer to your problems.
When it comes to streaming live sports, NordVPN is our pick for the best VPN service in 2025. You can even try NordVPN risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers team news
Pittsburgh Steelers team news
The Steelers wrapped up 2024 with a 10-7 record and yet another postseason ticket — making it 18 straight winning seasons under Tomlin. They made a bold pivot under center this offseason, parting ways with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to hand the reins to veteran Aaron Rodgers. Coming off his roughest year yet, Rodgers will be hoping for a rebound behind better protection, aided by the arrival of All-Pro receiver DK Metcalf and veteran tight end Jonnu Smith, who’s fresh off a career-best season. Pittsburgh’s run game remains in capable hands with Jaylen Warren and rookie Kaleb Johnson.
True to form, Pittsburgh’s defense remains its backbone. This offseason saw the re-signing of edge terror T.J. Watt, while linebacker Patrick Queen returns after leading the team in tackles. The secondary got a facelift with ex-Pro Bowlers Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay, plus rookie Jack Sawyer. With the pass rush firing, this unit could again be among the league’s stingiest.
The Steelers kicked off their preseason with a win over Jacksonville, keeping Rodgers and other key starters on the sidelines. Backup Skylar Thompson impressed, going 20-for-28 for 228 yards and three touchdowns, while Mason Rudolph was nearly perfect, completing 9-of-10 passes. The offense tallied 367 yards, with 301 coming through the air, while the defense gave up 339 yards and 6.2 yards per snap but failed to create a turnover. Injury notes include Cameron McCutcheon being ruled out, while Jonnu Smith, Calvin Austin III, Darius Slay, and Will Howard are questionable.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers team news
Tampa Bay enters 2025 with the bar set high, having claimed its fourth straight NFC South title last season. The heartbeat of this year’s squad lies on offense, led by Pro Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield. With weapons like future Hall-of-Famer Mike Evans and a backfield duo of Bucky Irving and Rachaad White, the Bucs have the firepower to keep defensive coordinators up at night. Behind a sturdy offensive line, Mayfield has the experience and support to lead another division charge.
Defensively, head coach Todd Bowles will aim to mold his unit into a more consistent force, bolstered by the offseason arrival of pass-rusher Haason Reddick and rookie corners Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish. Anchored by Vita Vea in the trenches and safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith, Tampa’s defense has the pieces to contend deep into January.
The Bucs opened their preseason slate in style, thrashing Tennessee 29-7 at home. With Mayfield resting and Teddy Bridgewater sidelined by a minor knock, Kyle Trask took center stage, completing 12 of 16 passes for 129 yards. Rookie Connor Bazelak also saw action, as the offense racked up 348 total yards despite one turnover.
On defense, Tampa suffocated the Titans, allowing just 201 yards at a meager 3.1 yards per play while forcing three turnovers. Key injury concerns linger for Antoine Winfield Jr., Cade Otton, Rachaad White, Anthony Walker Jr., and Dennis Houston, all listed as questionable.