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NFL Playoffs 2015: Five reasons the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can make it in

By John Buhler

Nov 29, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) leaves the filed after their game at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Indianapolis Colts won over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 25-12. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) leaves the filed after their game at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Indianapolis Colts won over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 25-12. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Howard Jones (95) tackles Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) causing a fumble during over time at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 23-20 in over time. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Howard Jones (95) tackles Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) causing a fumble during over time at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 23-20 in over time. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Their Wild Card Competitors are Reeling

Not that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ascending like a team on a championship run, but they are playing better football in recent weeks than some of their main competitors for the two NFC Wild Card spots.

The Buccaneers will face a division rival in the Atlanta Falcons, who have lost five of their last six games after starting the year out at 5-0. Tampa Bay already beat Atlanta in the Georgia Dome a few weeks ago and a two-game advantage over division rival Atlanta could help should it come down to a tiebreaker.

Green Bay has scuffled a bit in recent weeks, losers of four of their last five, going from 6-0 to 7-4 and a full game back of the NFC North-leading Minnesota Vikings. Not that Tampa will catch the Packers, but their continued struggles certainly lowers the ceiling of what it would take to earn a Wild Card berth. A 9-7 mark might get the Bucs in, as 10-6 seems a bit of a stretch.

Even the Seattle Seahawks who are 6-5 will have to go the rest of the way without tight end Jimmy Graham or running back Marshawn Lynch. The Seahawks don’t have the stingy defense they once had that they can lean on if the offense isn’t up to par.

The Buccaneers also have head-to-head match ups with 5-6 Chicago, 4-7 New Orleans, and 4-7 St. Louis left of the schedule. Outside of the Bears, neither the Saints or Rams are playing great football in the last month. Tampa Bay has less things going against them than many of their NFC Wild Card competitors. Perhaps that ends up serving the Bucs down the home stretch.

Next: 4. They Will Play All Teams Fighting For the Playoffs

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