I'm going 11-6 and win the division.
The tough thing is four road games at Seahawks, Lions, Bills and Rams. They could go 6-5 losing those four road games and the Eagles. Then they could run the table, but I'll be reasonable and say they'll drop in a clunker and go 5-1 down the stretch. That would put them at 11 wins. A lot could go wrong as with any team. But I have to predict based on what I see right now, and if they stay relatively healthy they should be in the running. And no games against the Packers or Vikings. I don't think anybody else in the division will win more than nine games.
11-6
0-4 in prime time games
5-1 in division
6-5 through the season, very similar to prior seasons until we go on a 5-1 run to end the year.
yikes.
11-6.
The division is improved but I also think the Bucs improved so they haven't closed the gap.
Bucs defense showing improvement from last year and better field position due to a better punter helps big time. And the offense can drive on shorter fields or feast from more turnovers which I anticipate.
If the Bucs defense doubles their INT total from last year punch their ticket for divisional title again. Win wild card game and divisional game.
The Bucs should be able to make a run but they need to put it together
the NFC is up for grabs as it has been the last few years. It's not like we have the top 4 QBs in the league sitting there (Mahomes, Allen, Jackson, Burrow)
To enter the year, i'd probably rank the tiers like this which would have us right in that win a wild card, lose a game scenario or maybe make a Commanders type run and make the NFC Champ game. As we've shown, we can beat the best of the best in the NFC (Detroit, Eagles), but we also have shown we can lose to teams lower than us (Cowboys without Dak, Atlanta).
Tier 1 - Eagles, Detroit
Tier 2 - Commanders, 49ers, Packers, Bucs
Tier 3 - Rams, Seahawks, Cowboys, Vikings
Tier 4 - Arizona, Chicago, Atlanta
Tier Shit - Giants, Panthers, and Saints
These tiers have changed a big
Tier 1 - Eagles, Detroit - still the class and while other teams playing at high level, need to see it in playoffs
Tier 2 - Rams, Seahawks playing lights out but Darnold choked last year and Rams come up short as well in previous years. They are close to being in tier 1.
Tier 3 - Bucs, Packers - need to see more out of them particularly when they play good teams. Very inconsistent teams. Bucs dealing with injury issues holding them back, Packers just not as good. A win against Buffalo or LAR put Bucs back in tier 2. They can't become Tier 1 until they unseat Detroit or Philly in playoffs this year.
Tier 4 - 49ers, Bears - playoff contenders
Tier 5 - Vikings, Cowboys, Panthers - had to create a new tier, they aren't quite shit but they aren't quite in the playoff discussion yet either. They still have a chance but will know more in 3 weeks whether they can be elevated to tier 4 or fall to tier shit.
Tier Shit - Commanders, Giants, Saints, Cardinals, Falcons
12 win ceiling
8 win floor
11 win prediction
I feel good about 11 wins but maybe 12 if we beat Buffalo or LA
I'd stick with 11-5, however +/-1 is possible, and with this division it won't matter
