Buccaneers playoff picture: Tampa Bay’s updated chances to reach the 2024 NFL playoffs after Week 17 win over the Panthers

Buccaneers playoff picture: Tampa Bay’s updated chances to reach the 2024 NFL playoffs after Week 17 win over the Panthers

After losing Chris Godwin this season and having Mike Evans sidelined for three games, it’s a small miracle that the Buccaneers are in the playoffs.

Tampa Bay has fought through the adversity and enters Week 18 with a record of 9-7. With one week left in the game, the Buccaneers have one last crucial matchup that will determine their chances of making the postseason appearance.

Next up is New Orleans for Baker Mayfield and Co. Let’s take a look at the Buccaneers’ updated playoff picture as they prepare to host the Saints to close out the season.

MORE: Updated NFL playoff image for Week 17

Buccaneers playoff picture

After losing former offensive coordinator Dave Canales to the Panthers, there were questions about whether Tampa Bay would be able to build on last year’s offensive success. Well, Liam Coen stepped in and the offense apparently hasn’t let up for a minute.

Baker Mayfield is having a career year and will need to keep the offense going to send the Buccaneers to the playoffs for the fifth straight year.

rank team Record
1 Lions 13-2
2 eagle 13-3
3 Aries 10-6
4 privateer 9-7
5 Vikings 14-2
6 packer 11-5
7 Commanders 10-5
8 Seahawks 9-7
9 Hawks 8-7

The Buccaneers are currently atop the NFC South, but that could change depending on the outcome of the Falcons’ Sunday Night Football game.

Tampa Bay isn’t eliminated yet, but needs help to secure a playoff spot.

The clearest path for the Bucs to the playoffs is to win the NFC South.

However, the Falcons are in the head-to-head record tiebreaker, meaning the Buccaneers no longer control their own fate in the division.

To win the division, one of two things must happen in the next two weeks. Tampa Bay needs to win its finale as the Falcons lose at least one game.

The Buccaneers are also 1-1 while Atlanta finishes the year 0-2.

MORE NFL WEEK 17:

Buccaneers remaining 2024 schedule

Luckily for the Buccaneers, they have a relatively easy matchup to end the season.

There are no free wins in the NFL, but the Saints are a team that won’t bother you if you need a win.

If the Buccaneers can finish their season with a win, Atlanta will have to lose at least one game against the Commanders or Panthers to clinch the NFC South.

Date Matchup Opponent’s current record Time (ET)
January 5th against New Orleans 5-11 Still open

NFL DRAFT NEWS:

Updated Buccaneers playoff chances

As we head into Week 17, ESPN’s Performance Index puts Tampa Bay’s chances of making the playoffs at 56.4 percent. A relatively easy matchup for the Buccaneers and a meeting with the Falcons’ commanders will be very helpful for Tampa Bay.

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