David Harrison
My prediction for the Buccaneers’ 2016 record is 9-7.
With the Falcons seemingly breaking even this off-season an improved Bucs’ defense should be able to contain Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman enough to pull out two wins this year for back-to-back sweep seasons against Atlanta.
Following tough match-ups against the Seahawks and Chiefs, the Chargers contest in Week 13 could be a trap game where the team almost lets out a sigh of relief just to be run up on by a team who looks more inferior on paper.
If my predictions ring true then our favorite NFC South upstarts will be 6-6 entering the final four games of the year and Dirk Koetter will be looking to earn the promotion he got this year.
Two wins against a Saints defense who will be as beat up as they are undermanned should be attainable, and going up against a Dallas team featuring Ezekiel Elliott who figures to be nearing or hitting his rookie wall looks like a winnable situation.
An upset win or two gives this team a shot at the playoffs, but a 9-7 record against a far tougher 2016 schedule is a victory in coach Koetter’s rookie season.
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