Arguably no team in the NFL has had more of an up-and-down season than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Through Week 6, the Buccaneers were 4-2, displaying one of the most talented offenses in the league, but after losing both Chris Godwin and Mike Evans to injuries, the team went on a four-game losing streak.
Now, as the final week of the NFL’s regular season arrives, Tampa Bay is still fighting for one of the final available routes to the playoffs: the NFC South title. Entering Week 18, the Buccaneers are 9-7, competing only with the Falcons for the division.
Baker Mayfield (4,279 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, 15 interceptions) has had a terrific year after being extended by the Buccaneers in the offseason. Evans, who’s since returned from his injury, still has a shot at yet another 1,000-yard receiving season, and Tampa Bay, even with some rough stretches this season, still has a shot at the postseason.
Here’s what to know about how the Buccaneers can win the NFC South this week and make the final playoff picture.
MORE NFL WEEK 18: Live NFL standings | NFL playoff scenarios | NFL Draft order
NFL playoff bracket 2025
Buccaneers playoff picture for Week 18
With the Falcons (8-8) still neck-and-neck for the division, Tampa Bay got a much-needed victory over Carolina in Week 17.
Now, with the NFC South still on the line in Week 18, the Buccaneers have two options in their route to the division title.
How the Buccaneers can win the NFC South
If Tampa Bay gets a win or tie against New Orleans in Week 18, it clinches the NFC South. However, even if the Buccaneers lose, they still have a shot — the Buccaneers will also clinch if the Falcons lose or tie against the Panthers.
Buccaneers clinching scenarios
Below is a clearer look at Tampa Bay’s clinching scenarios in Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
Tampa Bay clinches the NFC South division title with:
- TB win or tie
- ATL loss or tie
