Eight weeks into the 2024 NFL season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a precarious spot. With a recent slide that includes three losses in their last four games, the Bucs also face a mountain of injuries, especially on offense, where they’re missing star receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Following a disheartening 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7, Godwin dislocated his ankle—a season-ending injury—and Evans suffered a hamstring issue, leaving Week 12 as the earliest possible return for him.
Despite their absence, the Bucs showed grit in a close 31-26 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8, bringing their record to a 4-4 stalemate. Currently sitting ninth in the NFC playoff race, Tampa Bay still has a viable shot at a postseason push, but the journey ahead is daunting.
Upcoming Gauntlet
The next stretch of games doesn’t look promising. The Bucs face the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football, followed by a tough road trip to the San Francisco 49ers, who could be bolstered by the return of Christian McCaffrey. Dropping both of these games would drop Tampa Bay to 4-6, casting serious doubt on their playoff hopes. But after a Week 11 bye, Tampa Bay finishes with six of seven games against sub-.500 teams—a favorable slate that offers a glimmer of hope.
Next Man Up: Adapting Without Godwin and Evans
Without Godwin and Evans, quarterback Baker Mayfield leaned heavily on tight end Cade Otton and spread the ground game among backs Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker. While the Bucs’ offense proved surprisingly adaptable in Week 8, their upcoming matchups will test how far they can push this limited lineup. If Evans returns as expected, Tampa Bay’s passing game will get a much-needed boost, but the Bucs will need even more from Otton and the running backs to keep the offense afloat.
Path to the Playoffs
The NFC wild card race promises to be tight, but if the Bucs can muster six more wins for a 10-7 finish, they have a solid shot at a wild card spot. Winning the NFC South is still technically possible, but with the Falcons taking both head-to-head matchups, Tampa Bay’s best route likely lies in securing a wild card berth. They’ll need to beat their weaker opponents post-bye and, ideally, snag a win or two against stronger teams.
Bottom Line
The next two games are a pivotal stretch; if they fall to both the Chiefs and 49ers, they’ll face an uphill battle. But a strong showing post-bye could set them up for a wild-card run, especially if Evans returns to form. While the loss of Godwin is a huge blow, the Buccaneers can still find a way forward if they play smart, lean on their remaining weapons, and capitalize on their late-season schedule.
The road to the playoffs is narrow, but with grit and a bit of luck, the Buccaneers might still have some fight left in them.
