The Race To 11
November 30th, 2025
At 7-5, the Bucs are gunning for a 12-win season.
An 11-win season by Tampa Bay will guarantee the Bucs win the NFC South (again). Yes, that’s the math.
With a little luck, the Bucs’ final game of two remaining against the Panthers, Week 18 at The Licht House, will be a meaningless contest that would let the Bucs rest banged up players.
The Panthers (7-6) have a bye next week while the Bucs host the slimy two-win Saints (2-10). Carolina’s final four games include those two Bucs games on their schedule, plus dates with the Saints and Seattle (9-3). The Bucs also will host Atlanta (4-8) and hit the road to play Miami (5-7).
As of now, per the New York Times/TheAthletic.com data charts and game simulators, the Bucs have a 73 percent shot at winning the division. Carolina is at 27 percent. Atlanta and the Saints are considered toast.
Can the Bucs get to 12? They’ll have to play a lot better than they did today.
Can the Bucs get to 11? Maybe.
Can the Bucs get to 10? Definitely.