Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Can They Steal a Playoff Berth?

You have the mid-term report.

You've seen the grades.

Now it's time to deal with the next eight games.

It all starts Sunday at Raymond James against a Carolina Panthers team that just lost quarterback Matt Moore for the season, which means it's the wonderful Jimmy Clausen or the Cincinnati toothpick, Tony Pike, calling the signals on Sunday.

So let's get right to it, shall we?

Carolina Panthers (11-14)

Let's be serious for a moment. The Buccaneers really need to blow these guys out. They need to stomp them, dominate them, the defense needs to take either Clausen or Pike and blow them up big time. No messing around. No upsets. This is a team with no direction right now and using "youth" as an excuse for their poor performance. Panthers need to leave Ray-Jay at 1-8.

It's time for the Buc "youths" to beat the bejeebers out of this Carolina "youth." No ifs, ands or butts about it. A MUST win to send the Bucs to 6-3.

San Francisco 49ers (11-21)

Now here's another team in turmoil. Mike Singletary is doing everything he can to get himself fired. This team has won two games and has been awful at best. It's a west-coast road trip, but most will deem this a very winnable game for the Buccaneers. They could get win No. 7.

Baltimore Ravens (11-28)

The Ravens are locked in a playoff battle and in the same league defensively with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Asking the Bucs to win on the road in Baltimore is simply asking too much. Can't see the Bucs getting a win against that D.

Atlanta Falcons (12-5)

If the Buccaneers are 7-4 heading into this rematch with the Dirty Birds, then this might have a chance to sell out Raymond James. This is a game the Bucs have circled after what happened in Atlanta. After that ending, this team has a good shot to get revenge at home. Yes, a chance for victory. An 8-4 record would simply be off the charts.

Washington Redskins (12-12)

At Washington, another team with major problems, and it couldn't happen to a nice owner. Ah, The Daniel. He's Jerry Jones without any Super Bowl wins. These Redskins are living proof that you cannot buy a Super Bowl. Folks who complain about the Bucs payroll should simply look at this disaster in the district.

The Bucs should have a decent chance to win. A ninth win? Who knows?

Detroit Lions (12-19)

Things have changed drastically in Detroit with Matthew Stafford out. This is another game the Bucs need to win at home, a chance to beat another team in the rebuilding process. Great opportunity for a win. Could this win the "race to 10"?

Seattle Seahawks (12-26)

It hasn't been a banner year for the NFC West, and that has helped the Bucs. Here's another game against a team that is in the playoff hunt only because the NFC West is pathetic. At home, good shot for the Bucs.

This one will depend on who's healthy and who's not. Still, a winnable game for the Buccaneers.

New Orleans Saints (1-2)

Could this game possibly be for a playoff berth? Could be for both teams, it's entirely possible. If the Saints have already clinched a spot, then they might pull the old "rest your starters" bunk and open the door for the Buccaneers. Rumors have Drew Brees playing on a knee that may require surgery. A Buc win in New Orleans is not impossible.

How Will It End?

There you have it, the remaining schedule.

How will they finish?

How about this:

Best scenario, they get breaks, play well, improve, no key injuries: 11-5

Worst scenario, they peaked, things don't go well: 7-9

Possible/not-out-of-the question: 9-7

Probable and not-the-end of the world: 8-8

Tell us what you think.