Atlanta Falcons: What’s next for Matt Ryan?

Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3. Can the Buccaneers make the playoffs?

Jameis Winston has helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers improve from a two-win team into one that is in the hunt for a playoff berth in December. With four games to go, can the Bucs break into a wild-card spot?

To do so, they will need to overtake either the Seattle Seahawks (7-5) or one of the Minnesota Vikings or Green Bay Packers (both 8-4), depending on which one finishes second in the NFC North. Looking at the records, the Bucs (6-6) have more chance of leapfrogging the Seahawks.

The trouble is, Seattle appears to be getting hot at the right time. Pete Carroll’s team has won three straight and beat down Minnesota on its own turf last week. The defense played at a high level, and Russell Wilson appears to have ignited the offense. Outside of the Week 17 road trip to Arizona, Seattle has a favorable stretch for the remainder of the season.

Tampa Bay has an outside chance. The Bucs just have to keep winning and hope for the best. If they win out, they have a great shot at making it. They have three winnable games coming up with New Orleans, St. Louis and Chicago, but face a tough road game with Carolina in Week 17.

But it’s far from impossible. The Bucs just have to keep winning, and they have a shot.

Next: Ending the streak