After a hot start to the season was squandered by a four game losing streak, it was hard to figure out who the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were going to be the rest of the season. It turns out they're a playoff contender, something that was hinted at over the last three games but was solidified in their 40-17 win over the Chargers on Sunday.
It was a signature win at the exact time the Bucs needed one, as it helped confirm that this team indeed belongs on the conversation as a contender. There's still work that needs to be done but Tampa Bay is 8-6 and firmly in control of both the NFC South and their own destiny.
The Bucs haven't clinched anything yet, but with three games left in the season they're getting closer to doing that after what happened in Week 15.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers move up to No. 3 seed after Week 15
Atlanta falling into a losing streak of their own has helped the Bucs flip the NFC South standings, but the tiebreaker the Falcons have still looms large. Tampa Bay needs an upset win by the Raiders on Monday night to help them out even more, but the biggest assist the team could have gotten was from itself in beating the Chargers.
In doing that, the Bucs maintain a one-game lead in the NFC South but also inch closer to potentially getting the No. 3 seed in the NFC. It's hard to believe, but that's a scenario that is very much on the table, although it would require the Bucs to thread the needle and get some help elsewhere in the conference.
Here's how things stack up after a busy Sunday of action:
Playoff Seed | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
No. 1 | Detroit Lions | 12-2 (Clinched) |
No. 2 | Philadelphia Eagles | 12-2 (Clinched) |
No. 3 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8-6 |
No. 4 | Los Angeles Rams | 8-6 |
No. 5 | Minnesota Vikings | 11-2 (Clinched) |
No. 6 | Green Bay Packers | 10-4 |
No. 7 | Washington Commanders | 9-5 |
The Seahawks losing on Sunday night means the Buccaneers move into the No. 3 seed and now control their desinty there. The team to watch behind them is now the Los Angeles Rams, who moved into first place and bumped Seattle out of the picture -- for now.
Right now, the NFC West is in a dead heat with even the Arizona Cardinals still alive, but it looks like the Seahawks and Rams will go to the wire for a division title.
It's still a long road to the playoffs as the Bucs have a lot of work left to do, but they'll be doing it against the Cowboys, Saints, and Panthers. There's still no margin for error but the path remains clear and things continue to look better than they have all season.
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