While it hasn’t been a vintage season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ playoff scenarios still very much put the team’s future in its own hands. With both the NFC South and a Wild Card spot still possible, the Buccaneers have a lot to play for in the final two weeks of their 2022 NFL schedule. Let’s take a look at the scenarios that could play out and the Buccaneers’ playoff chances heading into this week.
4:22 PM ET Update
The Buccaneers defeated the Panthers 30-24. They are the NFC South Champions and are in the NFC Playoffs.
Buccaneers Playoff Scenarios To Watch for in Week 17
Despite a losing record at 7-8, the Buccaneers still top the NFC South standings. They also have a clinching scenario for this week in that if Tampa Bay defeats the Carolina Panthers, they will win the NFC South. Where things get more complicated is if the Panthers win in Tampa this week.
Things are certainly not over for the Buccaneers if the Panthers win. If Carolina cannot back up a Week 17 victory with a Week 18 win over the New Orleans Saints, the Buccaneers would clinch the division with a Week 18 win of their own. If the Panthers win in Week 18, the Buccaneers need a lot to go their way to get a Wild Card spot.
MORE: Panthers vs. Buccaneers Prediction
First and foremost, the Buccaneers would need to win in Week 18 against the Atlanta Falcons. If they don’t, their playoff hopes are completely gone. In addition to beating the Falcons, Tampa Bay would then need the Washington Commanders to lose at least one game and lose or tie in the other. The Bucs would also need the Seattle Seahawks to lose one of their two games or tie both.
Tampa Bay would also need both the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers to lose one of their remaining two games.
That would leave the Buccaneers in possession of a Wild Card spot. However, their chances of a Wild Card spot could be snuffed out in Week 17. If both the Lions and Packers win or the Commanders win, Tampa Bay’s playoff chances via the Wild Card route would be gone.
What Are the Buccaneers’ Playoff Chances?
Entering Sunday of Week 17, FiveThirtyEight very much has the Buccaneers in control of their own destiny. They give Tampa Bay a 70% chance of making the playoffs and a 69% chance of winning the division. However, a loss this week would quickly flip that. Without considering other results, a Bucs loss would leave the team’s playoff chances at 34%, with a 31% chance at the division.