Nothing is ever easy for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a lesson we're all being reminded of as the team tries to claw its way back into the playoff picture.
Losing last Sunday night in Dallas set the Bucs back, but it didn't throw their season completely off track. Despite getting in their own way, Tampa Bay's 48-14 blowout win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 17 helped set up two very clear paths to playoffs that gives fans plenty of rooting interest over the last two Sundays of the season.
Here's how the Buccaneers can clinch a playoff berth after beating Carolina in Week 17
After taking care of business on Sunday, the Buccaneers have to clear paths into the playoffs.
Tampa Bay clinches the NFC South if:
- Buccaneers beat New Orleans in Week 18
- Falcons lose to Washington or Carolina
Tampa Bay clinches a playoff berth if:
- Buccaneers win Week 18
- Commanders lose to Atlanta and Dallas
If things truly get chaotic, then there's a path for the Bucs where they get in if the Falcons tie either of their last two games. In that scenario Tampa Bay would win the division and clinch as the No. 4 seed.
The clearest and easiest route into the postseason is winning the NFC South, which is very much on the table of the Falcons lose a tough matchup on Sunday night. It's also not outside the realm of possibility for Atlanta to lay a dud in Week 18 against a Panthers team that will be looking to play spoiler against a division rival, so hope very much remains alive for Tampa Bay.
Getting in as a Wild Card team is also possible, but it is a thornier bush to climb out of. Tampa Bay can't get anything higher than the No. 7 seed, but getting that would mean Washington losing to Dallas in Week 18. The same rules apply for that game as they do for the Falcons-Panthers game, but it's a much less controlled enviornment.
Of course, none of this would be a problem if the Bucs had just taken care of business last Sunday agianst the Cowboys, but nothing is ever easy. Despite all the ups-and-downs this season, Tampa Bay is going into the final week of the season with a chance to punch a playoff ticket, which is a lot more than we thought would be the case just a month ago.
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