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Buccaneers Playoff Chances: Scenarios for How Tampa Bay Makes NFL Postseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonathan Adams | Last updated Jan 5, 2025 11:46 AM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in clear control of their NFL playoff picture. Tampa Bay will clinch a playoff berth if at least one of the following two scenarios occur.

The Bucs are in the NFL playoffs with either a win or a tie versus the New Orleans Saints. Tampa Bay is a 14-point favorite against New Orleans, per Action Network.

A Buccaneers loss does not necessarily eliminate Tampa Bay from the NFL playoff picture. The Bucs would then need some help from the Carolina Panthers in order to make the NFL playoffs.

If the Atlanta Falcons lose or tie the Panthers, the Buccaneers would also make the playoffs.

Heading into Week 18, the Buccaneers sit as the No. 4 seed in the NFC. If the Bucs make the NFL playoffs, Tampa Bay will host their opening wild card round game as the NFC South champions.

With a win the #Bucs are in the playoffs for the FIFTH straight year, despite changes at QB. @FOXSports NFL Reporter @CarmieV wants to know, so why isn't Jason Licht in GM of the Year conversations?? @heykayadams @Buccaneers | #WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/KYQH8Haipf
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) January 2, 2025

The Buccaneers have an 87% chance to make the NFL playoffs, per The Athletic's computer model. NFL.com has the Bucs' playoff odds slightly higher at 89%. The Buccaneers' playoff chances would drop to 29% with a loss to the Saints.

The Falcons hold the tiebreaker versus the Buccaneers if the two teams finish with the same record. Atlanta swept the two matchups against Tampa Bay to give the Falcons the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Tampa Bay's chances to win the Super Bowl sit at 3%, per The Athletic.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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