WEEK 17 Sunday January 1st 1:00 VS Carolina Panthers
Coming off of the toughest loss of the season, the Bucs need this game to not only be over .500 for the first time since 2010, but to have a chance at a Wild Card berth. The Bucs aren’t given any help by having to play defending NFC champion Carolina. The Bucs could get lucky and the Panthers can rest their guys with a post season birth already locked up, but the Bucs are never trying to beat a team not at full strength. Let’s say the Panthers play all their starters. The Bucs’ fans better be fired up for this game.
Next: Breaking Down the Bucs' Schedule by Quarter
With the crowd behind them and the Panthers backing down in the fourth the Bucs pull out the win 24-14 and finish the season nine and seven. Is it enough to make the playoffs? I’d give it a 50% chance. I’m being a little optimistic but why shouldn’t I be? There are only better days ahead in Tampa Bay.
Final Record Prediction: 9-7