After a strong start, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves outside of a playoff spot as they have lost six of their last seven games, taking their season record to 7-8. Last week, they suffered a loss to division rival Carolina.
Entering Week 17, the Bucs are second in the NFC South, one game behind the Carolina Panthers. Their remaining two games are against the Miami Dolphins on the road and a home rematch against the Panthers.
Can Tampa Bay Buccaneers Still Make NFL Playoffs?
The Bucs have reached a position where they can’t make the playoffs as a wild card. Therefore, head coach Todd Bowles’ team needs to win the NFC South to enter the playoffs.
Even for that to happen, there are several scenarios in which they can win the division and make the playoffs.
- Win both remaining games
The Bucs’ current playoff probability is 57%. If they win their next game against the Dolphins on the road, their probability shoots upto 67%. Moreover, if they double it up by winning their final regular-season matchup against Carolina, they make the playoffs.
2. Split, But Have Carolina Lose
If the Bucs and Carolina both lose one game out of their remaining two games, the Bucs could win the division via tiebreakers.
3. If the Bucs Lose to Miami
If Tampa Bay loses its next game against Miami, its playoff odds drop drastically, as its probability will go down below 40%. In this scenario, if the Panthers manage to beat Seattle and then also crush Tampa Bay, their season is over.
Head coach Todd Bowles is under massive pressure for allowing the skid in the first place. He pointed out the need for execution and discipline in key moments. The head coach highlighted what will be a key stat when they take the field against the Dolphins:
“We know when we win the turnover battles, we usually win ball games. We didn’t win the turnover battle and the two [interceptions] in the fourth quarter, the last two weeks, are disheartening and [Mayfield] knows that. We know that as an offense, we know that as a team.”
It remains to be seen if Tampa Bay can boost its playoff chances by winning against Miami.
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