The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had control of their destiny heading into Week 16, all they had to do was win out against the Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints. Their matchup against the Cowboys in Primetime was considered manageable but it proved to be anything but.
Now, the Bucs need some help from others in the NFL, as the Falcons are back in the driver’s seat.
Ironically, despite their records being the same and the Falcons beating the Bucs twice, not all hope is gone. ESPN, in their latest playoff projections, have the Bucs and Falcons each with a 50% chance to win the division and make the playoffs.
Why the even split? Because, at this point, whoever doesn’t win the division is not going to the playoffs.
The Bucs final two games we have discussed, the Falcons have matchups with the Commanders and Cowboys to end the season. Neither of those teams are easy outs so for now, the Bucs have to focus on themselves and hope others throw them a life raft.