For the first time in five weeks, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally -- mercifully -- won a game.
The problem is it might be too little too late. Back at the beginning of December the Bucs' path to the playoffs was crystal clear, as all they needed to do was win two of their last five games. That didn't happen, as Tampa Bay came into Week 18 on a four game losing streak, something that had forfeited control of its own destiny.
It's a good news-bad news situation, as the Bucs at least ended the season on a win, which might end up saving some jobs. What might not happen is a fifth straight NFC South title, as Tampa Bay heads into the final Sunday of the season with a win in its pocket but also needing some help.
Updated NFL Playoff Picture after Buccaneers beat Panthers in Week 18
Here's a look at where things stand heading into Sunday's action:
Seed | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
No. 1 | Seattle Seahawks | 13-3 |
No. 2 | Chicago Bears | 11-5 |
No. 3 | Philadelphia Eagles | 11-5 |
No. 4 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8-9 |
No. 5 | San Francisco 49ers | 12-4 |
No. 6 | Los Angeles Rams | 11-5 |
No. 7 | Green Bay Packers | 9-6-1 |
Even with a win on Saturday, the Bucs aren't officially in the playoffs. Tampa Bay needs a New Orleans win over Atlanta to clinch the division, otherwise the Panthers will in their first NFC South title since 2015.
Buccaneers clinch NFC South if:
- Saints beat the Falcons in Week 18
That seems increasingly unlikely given how few starters the Saints plan on playing, combined with how badly the Falcons need a win to save jobs. Raheem Morris' name hasn't been as talked about as loudly as others in terms of being on the hot seat, but a loss will certainly turn the heat up given candidates like Bill Belichick and Matt Nagy being mentioned as potential replacements.
In the end, the Bucs have nobody to blame but themselves. A team that started out the season 6-2 fell so flat on its face that it couldn't pick itself up off the mat in ways we've seen the last two years. Tampa Bay mostly got its act together on Saturday but it was well past the point at which that should have happened.
The Bucs can still win the NFC South, and at least ended the season on a high note, but it's debatable how high that note actually is.