Bucs Playoff Chances Long, But Not Impossible
September 21st, 2026
Challenge but not impossible.
This happens every year because the numbers don’t lie.
A large segment of NFL fans hit the ceiling when people like Joe start typing about playoff chances after just two games.
But Joe, and others, do so because the numbers don’t lie. So here goes:
Since the Bucs handed a win to the hapless Browns yesterday — the worst team in the league with the worst quarterback — they really gut themselves a hole trying to get to the playoffs by opening the season 0-2.
Per Andrew Greif of NBC News, who ran the numbers, since the playoff format was expanded in 2020 to include 14 teams, only 16 percent of teams that started 0-2 made the playoffs.
That doesn’t mean the Bucs cannot make the playoffs. It just means they better get their s(p)it together quickly.
But when it comes to numbers and reality, Joe thinks the Bucs have better odds than that. The Bucs reside in the NFC South landfill. It would not shock Joe one iota if the eventual division winner has a losing record. It’s already happened twice the past four seasons: the Bucs and the Stinking Panthers.
So let’s say eight wins captures the NFC South. The Bucs would only need to win 8 of the next 15 games, or barely play above .500 ball.
KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles can do that. He has a .500 record as Bucs coach, 35-35.
Joe is not ready to throw in the towel on the 2026 season. But bending over for the Browns? Let’s just say Joe’s confidence in the Bucs is greatly shaken.
September 21st, 2026 at 4:00 am
All these years of Bowles being the head coach and this team still looks like this , for shame for shame
September 21st, 2026 at 4:04 am
What about a 0-3 start which is more possible since they’re playing the Vikings next?
September 21st, 2026 at 4:10 am
Playoffs? With this Team? ME5 sure knew what he was doing leaving this turd farm for the Niners…now that’s a Quality Playoff Team and Organization. Take out the Brady years and the Chucky SB win, this Organization has been awful to say the least.
September 21st, 2026 at 4:13 am
If I saw a team that looked good on the field but just had some fixable hic ups then I would be more confident of a swift turn around, but this team just looks like they are done playing for Bowles and they know what Mike Evans and Rashad White already knew.
September 21st, 2026 at 4:16 am
Are you drunk?
September 21st, 2026 at 4:20 am
Well said LMB. The issue is though this team hasn’t looked consistent and focused during any considerable stretch over the last 4+ years under todd. This isn’t an anomoly.
September 21st, 2026 at 4:21 am
“PLAYOFFS!? PLAYOFFS!?”
I don’t know gentlemen. How about they, oh I dont know, PROVE THEY CAN WIN ONE STINKIN GAME FIRST!
September 21st, 2026 at 4:26 am
This must be the kool aid drinking Joe that thought the Bucs would surely not lose to the falcons, dolphins, saints, panthers etc
It’s over man – 0-5 incoming – Wentz is the 2nd coming of Cousins and Love, Dak, even the Steelers will be smelling blood – Bowles has been figured out as a DC and he has little interest or ability to stand back and be a HC – soon the blame on Zac will start (rightly so) and the implosion will be in full bloom
September 21st, 2026 at 4:29 am
Joe here is a guy to watch as interim coach Bryan McClendon our wide receivers coach. He has served as interim head coach a few times in his career has offensive coordinator experience and has done a pretty good job as our wide receiver coach developing young wide receivers.
Give him a long look as head coach rest of this season. Time to make a change if he doesn’t do great you go hire somebody else.
Love to hear your thoughts on him.
Two more things why would you stop running the ball down their throat on that final possession? Bucky was hot and had momentum you had second and 3 and just stopped running it. Stupid
Also for what it’s worth I thought the girl singing the anthem pregame was absolutely incredible. Not sure if you guys watched her or not but the anthem with the jets flying over was highlight of the day.
September 21st, 2026 at 4:38 am
It seems to me the bucs are the worst team in the league rn.
September 21st, 2026 at 4:42 am
We are 0-2 therefore one of the worst Teams
Saints look decent and will be favourites for the division now
September 21st, 2026 at 5:01 am
5-12
September 21st, 2026 at 5:03 am
Joe Wrote playoffs and Bucs in the same sentence
😂😂😂
Better write Win A GAME
WE CANT BEAT THS BROWNS
So we will be lucky to win A Game
WHERE IS THE BOWLES HAS TO GO ARTICLE?
Or is Joe on the “ITS NOT BOLWES FAULT” train
September 21st, 2026 at 5:13 am
With receivers like Hunter and LBs like Anzalone , this team will be lucky to win 5.
EE and Hunter both suck.
That’s why I wanted Shep signed as an insurance policy. You know a WR that can get open and that can catch the ball. Both of these guys are clowns.
Barton needs to move to guard.
Zyon was caught napping again.
Bain really does have short arms. lol.
D line gets worn down by the third Quarter.
Zac is worse than Grizz, is that even possible? Play calling was bizarre.
Todd is classic Todd.
Jason filled this team with more duds in the off season.
September 21st, 2026 at 5:15 am
Can some.1.call 911
September 21st, 2026 at 5:25 am
Bucs chances with Alex Anzalone on the field are zero. He’s missing more tackles than he’s making by a WIDE margin. I wonder if Fordham might be better? He looked really good in the preseason. Voss is more of the same.
September 21st, 2026 at 5:27 am
Joe you’re about to lose a following if you keep positing s(p)it like this
September 21st, 2026 at 5:30 am
“Playoffs?! Don’t talk about—playoffs?! You kidding me? Playoffs?! I just hope we can win a game, another game!”
Give me a break
1. ) With Vita Vea’s brinks job (his new contract)
2.) Zac Robinson’s awful offense
3.) Baker Mayfield’s poor play
4.) Todd Bowles’ incompetence
We are talking about Playoffs?
Great Googly Moogly!!!
September 21st, 2026 at 5:37 am
So….the question is, when the Power Ranking come out, who will NOW be the worst team in the league? Bucs, Chargers, Redskins, Falcons?
September 21st, 2026 at 5:44 am
Or Rozeboom? I’m grasping at straws here the guy is playing so badly. Week 1 was the worst LB game I’ve ever seen, week 2 was the second worst. That’s bad enough to drag down the ENTIRE DEFENSE. Browns sure learned to target him often. I’d be targeting him the entire game!
September 21st, 2026 at 5:45 am
Bucs power ranking is 32. Total disaster of a team.
September 21st, 2026 at 5:47 am
lost to the deshaun watson led cleveland browns think we can safely this team’s “playofff chances” are in fact impossible. will be lucky if they get to 5 wins this year.
September 21st, 2026 at 5:55 am
S.O.S.
September 21st, 2026 at 5:57 am
With a fully healthy roster this team can’t beat the Browns?
If they can’t beat the Browns who CAN they beat?
Wow – just wait until the injuries start to pile up again – it gonna be ugly ya’ll.
You thought I was trolling with my 7-10 prediction… Turns out I was being too generous to the Bucs.
LOL!
Go Bucs!
September 21st, 2026 at 5:58 am
Playoffs?
September 21st, 2026 at 6:01 am
Joe——
Couldn’t disagree more with your “losing record” division winner take.
Both New Orleans, who came from behind to stun the Ravens, and Carolina, who blew out Atlanta, are improving while the Bucs are clearly regressing.
Bryce Young has thrown for 6 TD’s — 0 picks and 648 yards in the first two weeks.
Tyler Shough has 4 TD’s — 2 picks and 662 yards through the air.
Our 167 Million Dollar Boy has 1 TD — 1 pick — 3 lost fumbles and 398 yards in the air.
Shough and Young are both still cheap, young and upcoming. Baker is … well … the opposite.
The Bucs and Atlanta will now be cellar dwellers in a cellar division.
Do you watch the other games?
Baker runs down field to block to cover his numerous other mistakes. “Man, what a team player,” say his followers.
Really? What else ya got? Sure as heck ain’t wins. Your team player is 2-9 in his last 11 games.
September 21st, 2026 at 6:03 am
garbage watched a little of chiefs colts both teams looked a 1000 better than yucs
September 21st, 2026 at 6:04 am
They are impossible with Bowles at the helm.
September 21st, 2026 at 6:09 am
After yesterday my bow or 308 and a tree stand take priority over this team until TB is fired.
September 21st, 2026 at 6:10 am
Mike Evans knew!
September 21st, 2026 at 6:10 am
like others have said if you cant beat deshaun watson & the browns in your home opener who can you beat? seems like this team will be lucky to get to 5 wins with this coaching staff.
September 21st, 2026 at 6:20 am
Playoffs? Joe, maybe write about another team if you need the content. The Bucs aren’t making sh!t. We are a squad of losers led by a blimp with a single digit IQ. Total trash.
We won’t make .500 and you type this after we crap down our leg against the Browns? lol. We are back. Like basement dweller back.
September 21st, 2026 at 6:25 am
I do not believe the NFC South is as bad as you make it out to be this season. Carolina or probably N.O. will have a 10 win season winning the division. Life long Buc fan, truly have no hope for this season. Hope i’m wrong….
September 21st, 2026 at 6:26 am
No way in hell. Hard to believe but this team is actually worse than last year. Kicking myself for re-upping the Ticket should have spent that money on bourbon.
September 21st, 2026 at 6:26 am
Yeah it’s going to take a miracle. It’s the same thing the past 3 years with Todd at the helm. The only difference is that we can see it coming. Vita Vea and the other players can say it’s not his fault all they want. Todd can say what he wants about motivation and whatnot. This is an underachieving team. When it’s the same crap defense year after year, when it’s going for field goals instead of tuddies. When it’s zero adjustments. When there’s no pass rush, players regressing or failing to develop. It falls on the Head Coach.
I will say the play of Vea and Baker are not necessarily Todd’s fault. Those guys were relatively speaking, under paid, that being said, Baker talked the most trash about the team and he gets paid and for what? 5 turnovers? Vea looks awful. Bain is a rookie, so I’ll temper expectations, but to have absolutely 0 impact? Come on.
This isn’t just a new thing either we’ve been losing since last year, and honestly shouldn’t have won the Arizona game or Panthers game. Only difference is the mid-season slide is at the beginning. Todd should have been let go last year, you can make an argument for 24 to keep Coen, but that’s a very bold move. Todd is too conservative as a HC, I just don’t get how he can fundamentally change from being a DC and HC and have such a different philosophy. Is it because he wouldn’t be the fall guy since he’s listening to his HC? I’m sick of hearing “exotic Todd Bowles defense”, “Defensive Guru” or any other malarkey by anyone especially an announcer and then have some scrub qb throw for 350 and 4 tuddies. I’m done
Todd Bowles needs to go end of story.
September 21st, 2026 at 6:35 am
I just had an interesting conversation with Google’s AI. I suggested converting Ayden Garnes to a true free safety and moving Winfield and Smith up as hybrid LB/strong safeties. Pairing them with Trotter and playing solid constant nickel defense. Those guys are stout enough against the run and would help a lot in intermediate and center field coverage. Garnes and his speed and coverage ability could stop a lot of deep passes. And the difference in the middle of the field could be huge. We need to do something and these slow linebackers are killing us.
September 21st, 2026 at 6:37 am
Dude let’s win a game. Let’s look prepared and play defense and offense and look good. This team does look good at all. They need a real HC. Playoffs. ???? lol
September 21st, 2026 at 6:40 am
R.I.P. Todd and Jason
September 21st, 2026 at 6:42 am
We did a great job shutting down Chase week 1. Now we need to do that with Jefferson and stop Kyler from breaking out of the pocket. Gonna be quite the challenge. At least Murray is a little less accurate. Offense needs lots of hot routes against the blitz. Some screens might actually work too but we cannot rely on them as our only offense. I’d like to see a ton of intermediate (6-15) yard passes.
September 21st, 2026 at 6:42 am
With Vikings, Packers and Cowboys up next 0-5 is not unrealistic. Then what?
September 21st, 2026 at 6:43 am
Yes, except the Saints and Panthers have something the Bucs don’t—a young coach and BELIEF.
September 21st, 2026 at 6:46 am
Better wake up Joe this ship sailed at the end of last season when they kept Bowles. After next week you will be writing articles on coaching candidates and draft prospects before we even get to October. Bowles is now 2-9 in the last 11 games. The only thing surprising this season is he didn’t wait to do his usual mid season slump he decided to just continue where he left off last year.
September 21st, 2026 at 6:47 am
Playoffs? 🤡🤡🤡
September 21st, 2026 at 6:53 am
Don’t forget that we only play decent games against good teams and get rolled by the crappy ones so there might be hope for this week. Puke.
September 21st, 2026 at 6:55 am
Mike is smiling. Now people respect his decision.
September 21st, 2026 at 6:55 am
Licht should be fired for signing Faker for no reason now our next HC will be saddled with his contract while breaking in a new rookie QB
September 21st, 2026 at 6:57 am
I dont want to hear anyone talk about this team and playoffs. This coach should have been gone 3 years ago
September 21st, 2026 at 6:58 am
Only 15 more games of this non sense
September 21st, 2026 at 6:58 am
Bench Mayfield or call him out. Boweles isn’t the best, but he certainly didn’t have control over all Mayfields mistakes the last two loosing games. I blame Mayfield. You paid this slime money and he goes into true QB he is. I’ve been upset about the Bucstoo long but this is really the bottom now.
September 21st, 2026 at 6:58 am
Perhaps the focus should be on winning a game. Playoffs, at this time, for the Bucs is a dream not reality. It always amazes me that fans have a better take on this team than what hype-masters at One Buc spew. They lose credibility when all we hear is how great they will be, blah, blah, blah. It should be clear to all that there is something fundamentally wrong with this team. I hope they work it out.
September 21st, 2026 at 6:59 am
ZERO PRIDE IN OR ON THIS TEAM! JUST IN IT FOR THE $$
MUCH BETTER THINGS TO DO WITH MY TIME AND HARD ERARED MONEY!
September 21st, 2026 at 6:59 am
bowles as HC/DC has been a disaster since day one. that wont change. ever. he will continue to be a disaster at both jobs.
the glazers have had multiple years to realize that bowles is not capable of doing two jobs and they still havent forced the issue.
September 21st, 2026 at 7:00 am
I have no doubt this team will somehow win just enough games to screw themselves out of drafting a real difference maker in the 27 draft,…..but they arent making the playoffs.
September 21st, 2026 at 7:27 am
The players on this team who still say they respect or want to play for Todd Bowles are just afraid of what true accountability will come from a leadership change.
September 21st, 2026 at 7:30 am
No no St Pete Matt, what “WE” need is a QB who can see the field and hit open receivers consistently.
Baker has been trash these first two games. And if you knew anything about football you would know if the Bucs had good QB play they would be 2-0 instead of 0-2.
They most likely win Week 1 without 4 fumbles.
Sunday, the Bucs were up 16-6 in the 3rd quarter. With competent QB play, the score could’ve and should’ve been 24-6 and game over.
Handing Baker a massive contract before the season was completely unnecessary and our reality for the next few years is showing itself.
September 21st, 2026 at 7:32 am
We’ll be talking 2027 draft after next week. This team needs a total re set. Trade Yaya, VV, Winfield and fire Bowles and Licht mid season. I wish the Bucs had different owners. They’re pathetic as well. At least we had 2 SBs.
September 21st, 2026 at 7:34 am
Playoffs?
Super Bowl Baby!!!!
We got this!!!!!
September 21st, 2026 at 7:47 am
Part of the reason I come to this site is for the humor. G
Playoffs? Ha, good one
September 21st, 2026 at 7:54 am
The Bucs are certainly underachieving. Given the talent on this team why can’t we have a better product on the field? It just seems that Bowles has been given so much rope yet the team does not produce. What is the answer? It is hurting to be a Bucs fan.
September 21st, 2026 at 7:54 am
No realistic person or fan thought we were gonna go to the playoffs with baker and Bowles at the helm. Licht Bowles and baker need to go. Get a gm that can find a franchise qb for goodness sake
September 21st, 2026 at 7:55 am
I said 6 wins but now I am doubting that. This team has no hope or belief. You could see it at the end of last season. They should have changed the HC and made baker play out his contract. We are screwed now. Going to be a tough few years.
September 21st, 2026 at 8:01 am
Lol, more like fighting for the #1 pick! Until Todd is gone, it’s over
September 21st, 2026 at 8:07 am
When Bowles was content to settle / set up the second drive for a FG, I knew the Bucs were going to fail. Have the Bowles led Bucs lost NINE in a row???
September 21st, 2026 at 8:14 am
If TB gets fired mid-season, who will replace him? Zac? 😉
September 21st, 2026 at 8:14 am
@ fan of da Bucs
“No no St Pete Matt, what “WE” need is a QB who can see the field and hit open receivers consistently.
Baker has been trash these first two games.”
Why are you being so negative friend?
The Bucs are only 2-0…
Lots of losing still to go – this is going to be one heck of a long long season little buddy…
7-10 or worse IMO.
September 21st, 2026 at 8:15 am
*ooops – 0-2.
I wish they were 2-0 but….
September 21st, 2026 at 8:15 am
They are zero
September 21st, 2026 at 8:20 am
If you think THIS team is making playoffs then you are a friggin moron
September 21st, 2026 at 8:26 am
I’ve been saying that Incredibly Average Todd Bowles is only capable of an 8-9 or 9-8 season because his ceiling is mediocrity, and basing my season prediction based upon Bowles’ ceiling.
Turns out we’re getting his basement. 5-12.
Bright side… we’re finally gonna be rid of him.
September 21st, 2026 at 8:31 am
In a few weeks the lovely Mrs. DBF and I will be celebrating our anniversary on a week long cruise and I was kind of wondering how I was going to manage being a good, attentive husband while also being able to catch the Bucs games.
I no longer have such concerns. Long live the drink package.
September 21st, 2026 at 8:35 am
When they kept Bowles, I saw this coming. What I didn’t see coming was it being Baker’s fault. He has been stupid all year—doesn’t know when to slide, doesn’t know when to throw the ball away, and has been super inaccurate on anything over about 15 yards. Plus, he’s playing this ‘hero ball’ where he feels like he has to make a play on every down. That is actually screwing things up even more, because you put yourself in 3rd-and-15 with a holding penalty or something from running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
I knew it was gonna be bad I didn’t know it was gonna be a dumpster fire by week 2….
September 21st, 2026 at 8:36 am
This team is not getting their s*** together. Bowles was a dead man walking before the season started. OBP did their best to spin this whole situation and told us it was raining while they pissed on our leg. As far as I am concerned the season was over before it began. We are all just waiting for the return of Mike Tomlin now.
September 21st, 2026 at 8:37 am
The moment this team is statistically out of the playoffs (0-4 or 1-5) we need to can Bowles and see what if anything we have in our OC. If the team responds and offense is humming, promote from within so the offense stays intact. If we have to install ANOTHER OFFENSE for the 6th year in a row, its going to be hopeless. Good organizations simply dont keep a revolving door at OC, particularly after just signing their QB to $150 million extension. Frankly this team needs someone with some juice…..that’s the constant i see. We are a reflection of the HC and he is proven to be unmotivating, below avg in game management situations and unable to adapt. We simply keep doing what has proven ineffective. The amount of draft capital thrown at the d-line and we cant seem to develop anyone in 5 years is a direct reflection on Bowles and his staff. He’s never going to allow the DEs to consistently rush as he’s fascinated with attacking teams with secondary players. Bowles himself was a secondary player so his mindset is fixated on that perspective. Its not going to change.
September 21st, 2026 at 8:39 am
How about a 0-4 start
September 21st, 2026 at 8:44 am
When we go 0 and 5 the glaciers need to fire bowles and immediately hire Shawn McDermott
September 21st, 2026 at 8:50 am
Don’t forget it was Arrians who insisted we hire Bowles to be his replacement and also insisted we hire Leftwich to be his OC. How’d that work out for us? His role post head coach as consultant didn’t bring anything substantive to the team other than a very fat paycheck. Where is this guru now? Crickets. He shoulders a lot of blame here.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:00 am
I wonder how Arians looks at himself everyday. Seriously.
There’s no possible way someone can believe the nonsense that he shoveled out of his mouth last year.
He’s either legitimately dumb or he’s a liar. It’s not both.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:19 am
Not with this defense and baker carr at qb
September 21st, 2026 at 9:30 am
Lol
September 21st, 2026 at 9:32 am
Lmfao… playoffs????? How about 1 victory… team is done
September 21st, 2026 at 9:36 am
I can’t believe this guy produced this article.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:55 am
Lmfao
September 21st, 2026 at 10:04 am
The season is over. I am thankful for the Rays being in the playoffs, and the UFC which Joe denigrate every chance he gets…and at the same time glorifies fake wrestling. Maybe hire someone for the JBF staff who knows sports.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:08 am
The Bucs had 99% chance of making the playoffs last year starting at 6-2 we all seen what happened. Maybe this year there is no midseason slump glad we got the taste of loosing and fortunately it’s against two afc teams that has nothing to do with making the playoffs
September 21st, 2026 at 10:18 am
This is a very bad football team. They aren’t going anywhere. You don’t lose to the Browns in week 2 at home. If this team was going to be an improvement over last year’s, they would’ve shown it out of the gate. Instead, they seem to just be picking up right where they left off last season.
I did not expect this. I really believed they’d come out and show a lot more than they have. Very disappointed, and I just don’t see it getting much better, certainly not enough to make playoffs.
This is probably a 5-12 team. Even that seems like a pipe dream after losing to the Browns.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:23 am
bowles head coaching record is both embarrassing and horrid.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:32 am
This is not a playoff team. It might not even be a .500 team.
September 21st, 2026 at 11:15 am
Playoffs?! Playoffs?! The pass blocking stinks. Mayfield looks washed suddenly. The defense gets ZERO pass rush. The tackling technique taught this pre-season must have been “up high, and with your arms only.” We’re behind on all aspects of coaching, from being able to look up a chart to tell you when to go for 2, all the way to schemes and Xs and Os. And the guys supposed to be the best players on the time are the ones playing demonstrably the worst football.
People who insist on excellence (Mike Evans) had seen enough last year to abandon ship.
With all that in mind, I’ll run some quick calculations and tell you what the Bucs’ playoff chances are. Zero.
September 21st, 2026 at 11:24 am
15 more embarrassing Sundays until the glorified blimp gets fired.
But that is not enough. The GM that can’t draft also needs to go.
The ST coach seems to be legit. I’d only keep him around.
Otherwise we are the worst NFL team at this moment in time.
Taj Mahal to the ghetto.
September 21st, 2026 at 12:24 pm
I have watched the Panthers, Saints and Falcons games and the Bucs the way they are currently playing couldn’t bear the Saints or the Panthers and possibly not even the Falcons. So counting on a weak division to get your team in the playoffs is not realistic the way the Bucs play. Let’s all face facts, this Bucs team is SOFT!
September 21st, 2026 at 12:31 pm
If by some miracle we make the playoffs, we should forfeit our spot to a more deserving team.
September 21st, 2026 at 1:01 pm
This Boweles and Mayfield are so disgusting. Empty stadium brings zero dollars so what are the Glazers going to do. Maybe people will pay to see the Bucs get a good stomping.
September 21st, 2026 at 1:55 pm
JL and TB have run this team into the worst team in the league! And owners are incapable of making sound football decisions… that makes this franchise once again the WORST in the NFL! Congratulations team Glasers!
September 21st, 2026 at 2:02 pm
In the words of the infamous ex-Saints coach Mora, Playoffs? PLAYOFFS? You kidding me?