Buccaneers: How Strong Can They Finish the Season?

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Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Haunted by Missed Opportunities

With the Bucs sitting at 5-5 and facing a relatively tough stretch of opponents coming up in their final six games, a playoff run seems tough to imagine. The Bucs have improved a lot since earlier in the season but a couple of missed opportunities will haunt them during this stretch. The Bucs best case is probably a 4-2 record to finish the season, ending up at 9-7, which may or may not be enough for a wild-card.

Realistically however, the Bucs will probably end up with seven to eight wins. Both Seattle and Dallas will be extremely tough games to win, along with San Diego, both games against the Saints, and the final game against Carolina. Their records may not reflect it, but these will all be close, hard-fought games for the Bucs.

If the Bucs can split with New Orleans, beat San Diego, and beat one of Seattle, Dallas or Carolina, they can reach eight wins which would be a relatively successful season and a solid spring-board into next season.

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