Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2011 Schedule: Will They Reach the Playoffs?

In 2010 the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a 10-6 record. They improved dramatically over their miserable 3-13 outing in 2009. The Bucs were a good team notably for starting 10 rookies. They beat the teams they were supposed to beat but struggled beating the better teams like the Falcons and Ravens although they beat the New Orleans Saints at the end of the season. The question for 2011, barring injuries and/or a lockout, is how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will fare against the stronger teams.

Tampa Bay against the NFC South

While I think Tampa Bay is stronger than Carolina, I think there will be a pure "split" for the Bucs when it comes to the NFC South. They will split with the Saints, Falcons and Panthers and go 3-3 in the division.

Tampa Bay against non-divisional opponents on the road

The Buccaneers play the Packers, Vikings, 49ers, Jaguars and Titans on the road. I believe the Bucs will beat the AFC South (Titans and Jaguars) as well as the 49ers. However, they will go down to the NFC North Packers and Vikings. They will go 3-2.

The Bucs at home against non-divisional teams

This is where I believe the Buccaneers will make their season. They play the Lions, Colts, Texans, Bears and Cowboys. While a formidable group I think the only team who will beat them will be the Bears. Why the Bears? The Bears are starting early to develop their team and remember the Bucs, though good, still have a lot of young players. At home Tampa Bay goes 4-1.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers record for 2011 as I see it will be 10-6 once again, however, I don't think Atlanta is going to do as well and that will give them a better chance at a wild card.

I don't know how far the Tampa Bay Bucs will go in the playoffs.

As I've said in several of my articles where I've laid out wins and losses for a team for their 2011 schedule, I know no one can predict the outcome of every team in the NFL. It is impossible to predict some of the emotions in some games. I do this to further enjoy football, for brisk conversation and second-guessing-isn't that a big part of why sports are so popular?

Reference:

FBSchedules.com Website, "2011 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Opponents"