Four weeks ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were considered non-contenders. At 3-5 SU, they were on track to finish in the NFC basement. But somehow, the team surprised everyone by going on a four-game win streak and moving into a playoff position. Can they maintain their status as sixth seed contenders in the NFC?
Bucs Vying for a Playoff Spot
The Bucs haven’t made the playoffs since 2007, but they look ready to get back there this season. They’ve won six of their last eight games, including wins over the red-hot Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs. Jameis Winston has led the way, posting a quarterback rating of 80 or higher in the four last games, while throwing for six touchdowns and just three interceptions in the same span.
The Bucs have a relatively soft schedule down the stretch, with two games against the struggling New Orleans Saints and one meeting with the hapless Carolina Panthers.
Streaking Teams
The Bucs aren’t the only team making a late-season push. The Pittsburgh Steelers are back on track with three consecutive wins straight up and against the spread. Their AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, are also heating up, winning four of their last five games. Their loss came against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11.
People often overlook the Detroit Lions, but they’ve won four in a row and seven of eight. They’ve experienced a relatively soft schedule thus far, and will end their season with games against the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers.
After an inconsistent season start, the Kansas City Chiefs have also found their groove, winning seven of eight. Their win streak will be put to the test on Thursday, when face the Oakland Raiders, who’ve won six in a row.
Super Bowl Favourites Suffer Significant Injury
The New England Patriots are the favourites to win the Super Bowl, but they’ll have to overcome a significant set-back to get there. The Patriots lost tight end Rob Gronkowski for the season with a back injury. Although they have a deep roster, this loss will be hard to overcome – especially in the playoffs when the margin for error is reduced.
Other Important Injuries
Earl Thomas (SEA): Thomas suffered a season-ending leg injury last week. Losing an All-Pro safety will be a big blow to the Seahawks’ defense.
Julio Jones (ATL): Jones has been banged up most of the year, but it hasn’t hampered his production. Last week, he suffered a turf toe injury, but it looks like he’ll be able to play through that for the time being.
*Odds as of December 7, 2016