Patriots expected to host Bucs early in 2021 season

According to multiple reports, the New England Patriots will host the Super Bowl LV champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4 of the 2021 NFL season.

The long-awaited Tom Brady vs Bill Belichick matchup will take place in prime time on "Sunday Night Football," according to Bleacher Report's Master Tesfatsion on Twitter. Scott Zolak of 98.5 The Sports Hub said this week that the game would be in early October; Week 4 falls on Sunday, Oct. 3.

Tesfatsion also reports that the Bucs will kick off the 2021 NFL season and raise their new Super Bowl banner at home against the Dallas Cowboys.

Brady and the Bucs will be coming off the first three games of their Super Bowl title defense. The Patriots, meanwhile, will be looking to rebound from a 7-9 season. Belichick's roster is certainly much-improved and should be more competitive than it would have been against Tampa in 2020.

The only possible question mark is who Brady's counterpart will be at quarterback for the Patriots by that point. For now, expect Cam Newton.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.