As we move deeper into the second half of the 2024 NFL season, the postseason starts to come into view. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered Week 12 on a four-game win streak and continued it with a win over the Giants. Let’s look at the Buccaneers’ playoff odds and various scenarios.
Can the Buccaneers Make the Playoffs?
Heading into Week 13, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 5-6 and now have a 56.0% chance to make the playoffs.
They have a <0.1% chance for the 1 seed, a 0.6% chance for the second seed, a 10.9% chance for the third seed, a 39.2% chance for the fourth seed, a 0.1% chance for the fifth seed, a 0.9% chance for the sixth seed, and a 4.2% chance for the seventh seed.
Can the Buccaneers Win the NFC South?
Here’s what the NFC South race looks like after all the action in Week 12:
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a 50.7% chance to win the NFC South.
- The Atlanta Falcons have a 41.8% chance to win the NFC South.
- The New Orleans Saints have a 6.8% chance to win the NFC South.
- The Carolina Panthers have a 0.6% chance to win the NFC South.
Current NFC South Standings
- Atlanta Falcons (6-5)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)
- New Orleans Saints (4-7)
- Carolina Panthers (3-8)
NFC Playoff Race | Week 16
1. Detroit Lions (13-2)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)
3. Los Angeles Rams (9-6)
4. Atlanta Falcons (8-7)
5. Minnesota Vikings (13-2)
6. Green Bay Packers (11-4)
7. Washington Commanders (10-5)
In The Hunt
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)
9. Seattle Seahawks (8-7)
Eliminated From Playoffs
10. Dallas Cowboys (7-8)
11. Arizona Cardinals (7-8)
12. San Francisco 49ers (6-9)
13. New Orleans Saints (5-10)
14. Chicago Bears (4-11)
15. Carolina Panthers (4-11)
16. New York Giants (2-13)
Buccaneers’ Super Bowl Chances After Week 12
Can the Bucs win the Super Bowl? The PFN Playoff Predictor currently projects that Tampa Bay has a 1.1% chance to win it all.
Buccaneers’ Remaining Schedule
- Week 13: at Carolina Panthers
- Week 14: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
- Week 15: at Los Angeles Chargers
- Week 16: at Dallas Cowboys
- Week 17: vs. Carolina Panthers
- Week 18: vs. New Orleans Saints
What PFN Predicted for the Buccaneers at Giants Matchup
Both of these teams enter Week 12 well-rested coming off their bye week. However, they are two teams with very different objectives.
The Giants took the week off to make a quarterback change, benching Daniel Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito, bypassing Drew Lock, who will remain the backup. Their playoff hopes are gone, so they are looking to see what they have in DeVito.
As for the Bucs, they still have playoff aspirations but have an uphill battle given how difficult their early-season schedule was. They are coming off four straight losses, all against very good teams, and now look to start a win streak against the very beatable Giants.
Baker Mayfield has played like an MVP candidate for much of the season. But despite the Giants’ struggles, they’ve been very good against the pass. Their 184.2 passing yards allowed per game is the fifth-fewest in the league.
It will certainly help if the Bucs are able to get Mike Evans back. He seems to be trending in that direction, which was always the hope after he went down with a hamstring strain back in Week 7.
If the Giants are to compete in this game, they will likely look to get the ball out of DeVito’s hands quickly. That was a major problem when he made starts in place of an injured Daniel Jones last season. From Weeks 10-15 in 2023, DeVito took a staggering 28 sacks. The Bucs average 2.8 sacks per game, tied for eighth-most in the league. Having Malik Nabers certainly will help the sophomore QB.
Look for the Giants to also try and control the ball with Tyrone Tracy Jr., who has been a revelation for them this season. The Bucs have the 10th-worst rush defense success rate. The Giants should be able to run the ball.
With all that said, the Bucs are a much better team. They need this game and they should get it, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
The Giants are 5.5-point home underdogs and the total sits at 46.
PFN Prediction: Buccaneers 24, Giants 16