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Buccaneers at Packers: Week 13 game-changers

By Bailey Adams

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on from the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on from the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on from the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on from the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

The Buccaneers (4-7) returned to their losing ways in week twelve, which made their playoff hopes pretty non-existent. This week, they head to Green Bay for a matchup with the Packers (5-6). Here, we break down five players who could change the outcome of the game.

What was once going to be a promising season for the Buccaneers is now completely, 100 percent off the rails. Tampa Bay is 4-7, which means even winning out doesn’t guarantee a playoff spot. The rest of the year is about pride, and for some, playing for a future. Head coach Dirk Koetter is likely coaching for his job in the final five games. If the team continues to lose, Koetter’s days may be numbered. But if the team stops fighting, Koetter’s days will definitely be numbered. An interesting time lies ahead for the Buccaneers as a franchise, that’s for sure.

Immediately ahead, though, is a meeting with the Packers in Green Bay. The Packers stand at 5-6 on the season, losing five of their last six. Of course, the first of those six games marked a turning point in their season, as star quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down with a broken collarbone. Green Bay, understandably, hasn’t been the same since. For a franchise that has gotten used to playoff appearances and competitive football, this year has been a rough ride.

Heading into 2017, Sunday’s game looked like it would be pivotal in the playoff race. Instead, both teams are limping to the finish line. Which five players could most impact the outcome of this week’s contest?

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