Ofthetower's Bucs Playoff Scenario Madness - Week 16

[JasonOfthetower]

It was an extremely rough week for the Bucs' playoff hopes, not only did Carolina pull away from the rest of the pack in the NFC South, the Bucs are now in a dog fight with the team they lost a gut-wrenching heartbreaker in overtime to yesterday, the Atlanta Falcons, for the final playoff spot. When the season comes to a close it may be a victory by the 3-11 Seattle Seahawks over the 2-12 St. Louis Rams that proves to be the difference in the Bucs making or missing the playoffs. The Bucs are currently the 6th and final seed in the NFC...barely, but despite the loss to Atlanta, the Bucs do have some control of their own destiny. If they win both their final games, they should take the final playoff spot...we think...if the Rams lose out...and the Cowboys stay ahead of the Eagles....oh boy...

The complete breakdown can be found here - http://tampabaysportsblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/tbsb-buccaneers-nfc-playoff-scenario_14.html

[Bayfisher]

Great breakdown. Thanks.

Bucs win their last two games, they're in the playoffs, regardless of what avyone else does.

if Carolina loses @NY Giants and @New Orleans (quite possible), then Bucs would have #2 seed, a home game, and a bye.  if Carolina wins just one of those games, we're on the road for our first playoff game.

Atlanta does NOT make the playoffs, even if they win out, unless Dallas loses 1 game  OR  Bucs lose 1 game

The other wild card should come down to Phily/Dallas game in week 17. 

If Bucs lose vs SD, we STILL make the playoffs if Atlanta loses at Minnesota. 

If Carolina loses both games, and Bucs win both games, and Dallas wins both games...   then Carolina GOES HOME for the playoffs!

[JasonOfthetower]

Bucs win their last two games, they're in the playoffs, regardless of what avyone else does.

if Carolina loses @NY Giants and @New Orleans (quite possible), then Bucs would have #2 seed, a home game, and a bye. if Carolina wins just one of those games, we're on the road for our first playoff game.

Atlanta does NOT make the playoffs, even if they win out, unless Dallas loses 1 game OR Bucs lose 1 game

The other wild card should come down to Phily/Dallas game in week 17.

If Bucs lose vs SD, we STILL make the playoffs if Atlanta loses at Minnesota.

If Carolina loses both games, and Bucs win both games, and Dallas wins both games... then Carolina GOES HOME for the playoffs!

I was playing around with the playoff scenario calculator, it's pretty damned interesting. You are right, though, if all three (Dallas, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay) win out, Dallas is the 5, Tampa Bay is the 6, Atlanta is out. (I believe I indicated that). And you're right, Carolina can go to the penthouse to the outhouse in two weeks. (wouldn't that be something)