Buccaneers: Five scenarios for the end of the 2018 season

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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 25: Linebacker Cameron Lynch #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gestures to the crowd in the third quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 27-9. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

Scenario 5: Win and get in

The Buccaneers are still technically alive in the playoff race. However, they need to win out to have any chance of grabbing one of the wildcard spots. At 9-7, they will need help from other teams in the race, but it could happen.

Heck, the Bucs still appear on those “In The Hunt” graphics on the broadcast every week.

Four of the five opponents left on Tampa’s schedule are above .500 and will be major tests for the defense. According to ESPN’s Mike Clay, the Bucs have one of the hardest remaining schedules.

Teams like Baltimore and Dallas feature great rushing attacks and Drew Brees, and Matt Ryan will look to attack the unit from the air. It will take a near perfect stretch for Jameis Winston and the Bucs offense if they want to make a run.

If they do in fact shock the entire league and find themselves in the postseason, it will save everyone’s jobs. Head coach Dirk Koetter will be safe, Winston will be lauded as a franchise quarterback, and general manager Jason Licht will get another year to build the roster.

Next. Buccaneers: 5 biggest offseason targets. dark

It’s certainly a pipe dream, but it is a possibility.

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