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Buccaneers Head Towards Crucial 3 Game Stretch
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sit atop their division with a 6-2 record and are 2-0 in the division. The Falcons were the team that most thought would provide the biggest challenge but it’s actually the Panthers who are nipping at Bucs heels with a 5-4 record.

The Bucs next three opponents (Patriots, Bills and Rams) have a combined record of 19-6.
The Panthers next three opponents (Saints, Falcons and 49ers) have a combined record of 10-16. Yes, the Bucs schedule after these next three game gets a little easier BUT if you want to consider yourself to be a serious Super Bowl contender then go 2-1 with one of those wins comings against the Rams. If Bucs go 1-2 or come out of the bye and lose 3 straight, then all that great work they did early in the season will be for naught. The Bucs don’t just sit atop their division, they are 1/2 game behind the Eagles for the Confrences top seed They’ve taken a one game at a time mentality all season BUT as fans we can see how important these next three games are. Of the three upcoming opponents, this week vs Patriots seems like the one that they have to win. They’ve had 2 weeks to rest up and are playing at home. Their next 2 games are on the road in Buffalo and then a Sunday night game in LA vs the Rams. So, Bucs, are you pretenders or contenders? We are about to find out.

For more from Greg click here, then make sure to follow him on Twitter.

This article first appeared on Bucs Report and was syndicated with permission.

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