Buccaneers surge back into first place in the NFC South after 28-13 win over Raiders

Just a few weeks ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looked like they were doomed, but the tide has officially turned in their favor. The Bucs ended the softest stretch of their schedule on Sunday with a 28-13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, which was incredible in itself since it got the team back above .500 on the season.

That wasn't the only thing in play, though.

Up in Minnesota, the Atlanta Falcons were trying to avoid losing a fourth straight game -- which they failed to do. Kirk Cousin and his $180 million free agent contract went belly up against the Vikings, as the Falcons were blown out 42-21 in the type of loss that might end up derailing their season.

It's not just the way the Falcons lost that might cripple their playoff chances, it's the fact that the win by Tampa Bay propels the Bucs back into first place in the NFC South and on a clear path toward the postseason.

Buccaneers control their own destiny toward clinching a playoff berth

It's impossible to overstate how massive this turn of events is for the Bucs. Just a few weeks after sinking to 4-6 and getting pushed to the edge of the playoff picture, Tampa Bay now controls its destiny.

Winning out means the Bucs will win the NFC South for the fourth straight season, while also punching a playoff ticket for the fifth season in a row.

That's easier said than done, as there's still a ton of work for the Buccaneers to do before a playoff ticket can be punched. Next week Tampa Bay gets a tough matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, followed by a potential trap game on Sunday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys.

It's nice to be back in first place, but there's still absolutely zero margin for error the rest of the way. Atlanta gets back-to-back games against the Raiders and Giants -- games the Falcons should win -- which means the race for the NFC South title is far from over.

The Bucs are back in control, though, which is more than we thought would be possible back at the beginning of November. It's momentum they can't afford to fumble away for a second time this season.

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