The Buccaneers enter Week 15 on a three-game winning streak, so they are getting hot at the right time with the playoffs approaching.

Tampa Bay leads the NFC South at 7-6, a solid spot entering the stretch run. But with the Falcons also contending for the division and a large handful of NFC squads still pursuing wild-card spots, a Buccaneers playoff run is no guarantee yet.

Despite dealing with some injury issues — notably to wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans (although Evans has since made his return to action) — the Buccaneers are alive in the playoff chase.

How could Tampa Bay secure a postseason spot? Here’s a look at its outlook entering a Week 15 matchup against the Chargers.

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Buccaneers playoff picture

A win over the Raiders last week pushed the Buccaneers over .500, but with a matchup against a solid Chargers team on deck, each remaining game could be essential for Tampa Bay’s playoff chances.

In the current NFC playoff picture, the Bucs are in line to claim the No. 4 seed as the division winner with the worst record. With the seventh-seeded Commanders holding an 8-5 record, Tampa Bay would fall out of the playoff picture if it loses its grip on the NFC South.

Tampa Bay’s ability to fend off Atlanta in the division could decide its playoff fate. If the Falcons win the division, and with the Vikings and Packers having firm grips on wild-card spots, the Buccaneers would need to supplant Washington for the seventh seed and hold off teams like Los Angeles, Arizona and San Fransisco to sneak into the picture.

With their one-game lead over the Falcons, the Buccaneers do control their own destiny to the postseason. But one slip up, plus an Atlanta win, could drastically change things for Tampa Bay down the stretch.

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Buccaneers remaining 2024 schedule

Tampa Bay’s toughest remaining challenge in the regular season is likely the Chargers, a current AFC wild-card team. From there, the Buccaneers face three consecutive teams with losing records, which could be beneficial in securing a playoff spot.

Here’s a look at the Buccaneers’ final stretch of the 2024 schedule:

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Updated Buccaneers playoff chances

Entering Week 15, ESPN’s power index gives the Buccaneers a 76.4% of making the NFL playoffs, including a 74.1% chance at winning the NFC South.