Each week during the 2026 season, I’m taking a look at a previous game between the Green Bay Packers and their opponent for that week. I’m letting a random number generator decide which game I cover, and so far, it’s been a mixed bag. Last week was a fun one as I covered the 28th overall meeting between the Packers and Falcons. This week, we’re talking about the Buccaneers, whom the Packers have played a total of 59 times. The random number? 37. The 37th overall matchup between the two former division
rivals took place on September 1st, 1996. Let’s dig in.
Entering the Game
It was Week 1 of the 1996 season, and the Packers were coming in as one of the teams to beat. After an 11-5 first place finish in the NFC Central, and a Pro Bowl/All-Pro/MVP season from QB Brett Favre, how could they not be? Favre was hitting his prime heading into his age-27 season. DE Reggie White had just had another double-digit sack year. The team was also putting together a nice little group of weapons for Favre, which included WRs Antonio Freeman and Robert Brooks, and RBs Dorsey Levens and Edgar Bennett. It was time to step it up after a disappointing NFC Championship loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Key Moments
After starting the game with the ball, the Buccaneers quickly gave it to the Packers when QB Trent Dilfer was intercepted by DB Mike Prior, already in Bucs territory. This would be the first of six Buccaneers turnovers.
Their next turnover would come later in the first quarter, when RB Jerry Ellison fumbled, and Reggie White swiftly recovered. Already deep in Buccaneers territory, it took less than a minute for Brett Favre to find TE Keith Jackson in the endzone.
Midway through the third quarter, with the Packers leading 27-3, they stole the ball yet again when DB Craig Newsome forced an Alvin Harper fumble, recovered by DB Doug Evans. The Packers scored yet again on their next drive, making the score 34-3. This would be the final score of the game, but the turnovers were just getting started.
During the next offensive drive for the Bucs, Trent Dilfer was picked off by future HOF S LeRoy Butler. Butler would pick Dilfer off yet again during their next drive, and this one was returned for 50 yards. Dilfer would throw one more pick in the fourth quarter, to Lamont Hollinquest, to cap off the day.
The Outcome
The Packers came out of Week 1 with a 1-0 record after their 34-3 win. Brett Favre finished 20/27 with 247 passing yards and 4 TD passes. Edgar Bennett led the team on the ground with 62 rushing yards on 13 attempts. The Packers defense picked off Trent Dilfer 4 times, and caused 3 total fumbles. Pure dominance.
The 1996 Packers would go on to win 13 total regular season games, tied with the Denver Broncos for the league’s best. Brett Favre would win his second consecutive MVP award, while leading the league with 39 TD passes. The Packers then proceeded to steamroll their way through the playoffs, winning the Divisional Round 35-14, and the NFC Championship 30-13. They then won their first Super Bowl since 1967, when they beat the New England Patriots 35-21.
The Packers take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday afternoon, during the day’s early slate of games. With a revamped offensive line, the 1-2 Packers are looking to right the ship against a struggling 0-3 Bucs team. Can they get the job done?
