Buccaneers Playoff Chances: What does Tampa need to earn an NFC playoff spot?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers played an ugly game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday Night Football, but put together a comeback to win 19-16 in overtime.
Although this season has been much more difficult than planned, Tampa Bay now has an opportunity to clinch the division a week earlier, only needing a win at home against the Carolina Panthers next Sunday.
With a 7-8 record now, Tampa Bay holds a one-game lead over Carolina, who shot up the standings after a 2-7 start - but is still paying the price for Matt Rhule's failures.
Here are the scenarios where the Buccaneers can book a playoff spot following Sunday's win.
Interested in betting? Monday Night Football's matchup between the Chargers and the Colts promises some action.
Playoff scenarios for Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The scenario after this win is pretty simple. They will qualify for the postseason if they beat the Panthers on Sunday, thus guaranteeing the NFC South title.
Even if New Orleans wins both their remaining games and Tampa Bay loses to Atlanta in Week 18 (which, frankly, is an improbable task), the team will clinch the division in Week 17 because of the tiebreaker criteria.
However, even after beating the Cardinals, things will be bleak for the team if they lose to the Panthers next Sunday. If that happens, both teams will sit at 7-9 in the final week, with Carolina holding a tiebreaker advantage. Tampa Bay would need a win against Atlanta, plus a loss (or a tie) from the Panthers.
The Buccaneers cannot qualify for the postseason through a wild card berth. The only way that they can get into the playoffs is if they win the NFC South, for which they would be the #4 seed.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers schedule after Week 16
The Buccaneers have two crucial games to close out the 2022 regular season, and they need to win both to guarantee a playoff berth.
Tampa Bay has a vital matchup against the Carolina Panthers at home on New Year's Day. Surprisingly, Carolina is their main rival for the division title after a poor 2-7 start and the firing of head coach Matt Rhule midseason. Since Steve Wilks took over, the Panthers have been playing much better and they have a shot at the playoffs.
To finish the regular season, Brady and his team will travel to Atlanta to play the Falcons, who are the only team inside the NFC South that has already been eliminated from playoff contention. They have rookie Desmond Ridder starting the final games of the season for them.