Buccaneers have clear must-win situation coming up in Week 7

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 3-2 and in clear control of the NFC South. The rest of the division has looked terrible for most of the 2023 season, so it makes sense that even a slightly-competent Bucs team is able to roll through the competition on a weekly basis. The Falcons, Panthers, and Saints look […]

Add as preferred source on Google
Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) drops back to pass against the Detroit Lions in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 3-2 and in clear control of the NFC South. The rest of the division has looked terrible for most of the 2023 season, so it makes sense that even a slightly-competent Bucs team is able to roll through the competition on a weekly basis.

The Falcons, Panthers, and Saints look like very weak teams on paper. None should really cause the Bucs much trouble in their search for a spot in the playoffs.

The biggest thing standing between the Buccaneers and this boon is the Falcons this weekend; a clear win-now game.

As of now, a win or loss on Sunday could mean a dramatic shift in one direction or another for Tampa in the playoff race.

It shouldn't take a mathematician to see the difference between a 33% shift between making and missing the playoffs.

This is the definition of must-win for a team that needs something positive for this year in a major way.

If the Bucs win, their odds of making the playoffs are great. If they lose, those chances drop dramatically.

The need for a win is as clear as ever. The good news for the Bucs is that a win is very much in the cards against a team like this.