Buccaneers set for a first-round rematch in the playoffs

The Buccaneers currently have a very strong opportunity to make the 2020 NFL playoffs, and their first-round matchup should be against a familiar foe.

The stars are colliding for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to get a second shot at the LA Rams this year. After a first matchup that ended poorly for Tampa Bay, Tom Brady and company should relish the opportunity to redeem themselves against a worthy opponent.

The Rams have surprised a lot of people this year. After a weak showing in the 2019-2020 season, many counted the Rams out this year, but we should know by now that betting against Sean McVay is a foolish decision.

LA has a great defense, a consistent offense that isn’t tied to one single identity, and they are a tough draw at any point when they are clicking, but the playoffs are another animal entirely.

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While the Buccaneers are certainly chomping at the bit to prove they are the better team on the big stage, this is far more familiar territory for the Rams. Despite not making the playoffs last season, the Rams made it all the way to the Super Bowl in early 2019. You can attribute the underperformance last season to a Super Bowl hangover, but the Rams are officially back in business now.

Any draw out of the NFC West was going to be difficult for the Buccaneers, but the Rams are probably the worst to get. LA is easily the most complete team from the best division in football, and they’ve already shown they can shut Tampa Bay down.

The good news for the Bucs is that it is difficult to beat the same team twice in a season. Even when there is a larger disparity, division rivals often split games, and the Rams will have the added pressure of proving they are the superior in a game like this.

This is a spectacular opportunity for the Buccaneers to show that they belong in the playoffs, but this matchup should come down to the wire. We should all just be thankful that there is a likely end in sight to this horrific drought.

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