Now that the Saints have beaten the Falcons, thereby punching their ticket to the playoffs, one spot remains: the #2 wildcard. And the Buccaneers still have a shot at claiming it, although it's going to be considerably more difficult than it would have been if Atlanta had won. The good news (if you want to call it that) is you don't need a graphing calculator to figure out how the Bucs can get in. This is what has to happen now:
- Bucs must win at New Orleans
- The Chicago Bears must beat the Green Bay Packers
- The Washington Redskins must beat the New York Giants
That's it. If all three of those things happen, the Bucs are in and would probably play the Eagles at Philadelphia in the opening round.Going in as the #2 wildcard team means there's no possibility of any playoff games at home. If any one of those things doesn't happen, it's wait 'til next year.
Sunday, January 2
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS @ New Orleans Saints 1:00pm
New York Giants @ Washington Redskins 4:15pm
Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers 4:15pm
IDEAL OUTCOMES and resultant records
Bucs (10-6) beat Saints
Redskins beat Giants (9-7)
Bears beat Packers (9-7)
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