Challenge but not impossible.
This happens every year because the numbers don’t lie.
Joe knows 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’ve really gut themselves a hole in trying to get to the playoffs by opening the season losing their first two games.
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](https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nfl/nfl-results-chargers-cowboys-rams-winless-rcna598255) that started out 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 capture 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 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 this morning.