What are the Buccaneers Playoff Chances?
Tampa Bay's playoff chances remain decent, but their chances of winning Super Bowl 60 remain a long shot. Entering Week 18, Tampa Bay's Super Bowl odds are +1500 at DraftKings. These are the longest odds out of the remaining contending teams.
| 🔮 Bucs Playoff Chances | 24.4% chance (+310) |
| 💪 Bucs Win NFC South | 24.4% chance (+310) |
| 👑 Bucs Win NFC | 1.4% chance (+7000) |
| 🏆 Bucs Win Super Bowl | 0.7% chance (+15000) |
| 📝 Bucs Projected Win Total | O/U 8.5 (-165/+140) |
| ✅ Data Verified by Expert | January 1, 2026 |
We based the chances of the Bucs making the playoffs, winning the Super Bowl, and more on implied probability. Implied probability takes the betting odds set by oddsmakers and converts them to a certain percentage of that event happening.
📆 Week 18: Bucs vs Panthers Odds
Do the Buccaneers Have a Chance to Make the Playoffs?
Yes, the Bucs still have a shot at the playoffs. Despite dropping their last four games, Tampa Bay holds a 24.4% chance of winning the division and reaching the postseason. It all comes down to Week 18: the Bucs must defeat the 8-8 Panthers and hope for a Falcons loss. Atlanta hosts the Saints, setting up a high-stakes finale for the NFC South.
Are the Buccaneers Out of the Playoffs?
No, the Bucs are not out of the playoffs. Tampa Bay hasn’t missed the postseason since 2019, making the playoffs five straight seasons. But a competitive Panthers squad could put that streak in jeopardy. The Buccaneers face Carolina in a must-win game on January 3. And a win won’t be enoug, the Falcons must lose at home to the Saints on January 4 for Tampa Bay to clinch the division.
Buccaneers' 2025 Schedule and Betting Odds
Tampa Bay has four primetime games this season, giving them plenty of chances to shine under the bright lights. The Bucs opened the season on the road against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, followed by Monday Night Football in Houston against the Texans in Week 2. Tampa Bay faces the Panthers in Week 16, a game with huge playoff implications.
| Bucs Schedule | Line | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 at Atlanta Falcons | TB -1.5, ML -120 | W 23-20 |
| Week 2 at Houston Texans | TB +2.5, ML +110 | W 20-19 |
| Week 3 vs. New York Jets | TB -6.5, ML -310 | W 29-27 |
| Week 4 vs. Philadelphia Eagles | TB +3.5, ML +164 | L 31-25 |
| Week 5 at Seattle Seahawks | TB +3, ML +140 | W 38-35 |
| Week 6 vs. San Francisco 49ers | TB -3, ML -162 | W 30-19 |
| Week 7 at Detroit Lions | TB +4.5, ML +185 | L 24-9 |
| Week 8 at New Orleans Saints | TB -4.5, ML -218 | W 23-3 |
| Week 9 BYE | - | - |
| Week 10 vs. New England Patriots | TB -2.5, ML -142 | L 28-23 |
| Week 11 at Buffalo Bills | TB +5.5, ML +200 | L 44-32 |
| Week 12 at Los Angeles Rams | TB +6.5, ML +240 | L 34-7 |
| Week 13 vs. Arizona Cardinals | TB -3, ML -155 | W 20-17 |
| Week 14 vs. New Orleans Saints | TB -8.5, ML -440 | L 24-20 |
| Week 15 vs. Atlanta Falcons | TB -4.5, ML -238 | L 29-28 |
| Week 16 at Carolina Panthers | TB -2.5, ML -142 | L 23-20 |
| Week 17 at Miami Dolphins | TB -1.5, ML -120 | L 20-17 |
| Week 18 vs. Carolina Panthers | TB -2.5, ML -142 | TBD |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Playoff Chances: Key Updates January 2026
Below, I'll track the most important pieces of news and updates impacting the Buccaneers' playoff chances.
- 📅 December 24: Tampa Bay designates DT Calijah Kancey to return from injured reserve.
- 📅 December 17: DB Rashad Wisdom is reinstated from injured reserve.
- 📅 December 15: The Buccaneers place Zyon McCollum on injured reserve and sign LB Anthony Walker Jr. off Indianapolis' practice squad.
- 📅 December 10: Tampa Bay activates WRs Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan from injured reserve.
- 📅 November 8: The Bucs activate OT Luke Goedke from injured reserve.
- 📅 October 22: Tampa Bay places WR Mike Evans on injured reserve.
- 📅 September 30: The Buccaneers place S Rashad Wisdom on injured reserve.
- 📅 September 23: Tampa Bay places TE Ko Kieft on injured reserve.
- 📅 September 18: The Bucs place G Cody Mauch and RT Luke Goedeke on injured reserve.
- 📅 September 17: Tampa Bay places DL Calijah Kancey on injured reserve.
Bookmark this page, and we will consistently update it with the biggest updates throughout the season that could impact your betting chances.
- 📅 August 26: Tampa Bay activates WR Chris Godwin and T Tristan Wirfs from the active/physically unable to perform list.
- 📅 August 5: Tampa Bay signs QB Teddy Bridgewater.
- 📅 June 26: General Manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles sign contract extensions with Tampa Bay.
- 📅 April 24: The Bucs select Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka in the first round of the draft.
- 📅 April 3: Tampa Bay restructures QB Baker Mayfield’s contract.
- 📅 March 14: WR Sterling Shepard signs with the Bucs.
- 📅 March 13: OLB Haason Reddick and CB Kindle Vildor sign with the Buccaneers.
- 📅 March 10: Tampa Bay re-signs WR Chris Godwin.
- 📅 March 7: The Bucs re-sign LB Lavonte David.
- 📅 January 31: Tampa Bay promotes Josh Grizzard to offensive coordinator.
Key Contributors Toward Bucs Playoff Chances
Quarterback Baker Mayfield was expected to lead a reliable Tampa Bay offense, returning with most of last season’s starters intact, along with added depth and versatility. The team started strong, posting a 6-2 record thanks to playmakers like Mayfield and rookie receivers Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson. But the offense faltered in the second half of the season due to penalties, turnovers, and inconsistent execution, even as key players such as Egbuka and Rachaad White continued to produce. The Bucs are now on a four-game losing streak.
Defensively, Tampa Bay faced similar struggles. The unit started the season well, showing flashes of dominance with big plays, but recent games have been defined by major struggles against the pass and overall inconsistency.
Now, it all comes down to Week 18. For the Bucs to win the division and make the playoffs, two things must happen:
- Beat the Panthers
- Hope the Saints defeat the Falcons
Where Can I Bet on the Bucs to Make the Playoffs?
Hard Rock Bet launched across Florida in 2023 following changes in state regulations. The Seminole Tribe also offers in-person betting at their six casinos. Anyone 21 or older and located in Florida can wager on the Bucs and every NFL team through the Hard Rock Bet app. This has made legal sports betting accessible for fans across the state.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Playoff Picture and Predictions
The Bucs entered the season as the team to beat in the NFC South, fueled by playmakers like Baker Mayfield, Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson, and others. But the second half told a different story—an offense once full of promise has been undone by inconsistent play, penalties, and turnovers. The defense has struggled in similar fashion. While flashes of potential and big stops appeared early, the unit has been inconsistent and has struggled against the pass down the stretch.
Now, on a four-game losing streak, Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes come down to Week 18. A win over the Panthers is a must, but it’s not enough on its own, they’ll also need the Falcons to lose. With the game in Tampa Bay, the Bucs enter as 2.5-point favorites, but they’ll need to play like they did early in the season to secure a victory over the 8-8 Panthers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Playoffs FAQs
The Bucs’ 2025 playoff chances sit at 24.4% based on +310 odds with a 7-9 record. A return to the postseason would mark Tampa Bay’s fifth straight playoff appearance, underscoring their consistency as one of the NFC’s top contender. They need a Week 18 win and an Atlanta Week 18 loss.
No, the Bucs are not out of playoff contention. Entering Week 18, Tampa Bay holds a 24.4% chance of winning the division and securing a postseason spot, according to DraftKings. But the margin for error is slim, if the Bucs lose to the Panthers and the Falcons win, Tampa Bay will miss the playoffs.
Yes, the Bucs currently have a 24.4% chance of making the playoffs based on +310 odds. Tampa Bay hosts the Carolina Panthers in a must-win Week 18 matchup on January 3. After that, they’ll have to wait for the results of the Falcons and Saints games on January 4 to determine their playoff fate.
Florida bettors can wager on the Bucs’ playoff chances using the Hard Rock Bet Florida app, which fully launched in 2023 and is available to anyone 21 or older in the state. Additionally, six Seminole-owned casinos offer in-person sports betting across Florida.
Author
Dan Thompson is a Lead Betting Analyst for FloridaBet.com. Dan's unique experience makes him the perfect fit to find the latest storylines and interesting betting angles impacting Florida sports betting.
