The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can still make the playoffs, but the team is officially in do-or-die mode after losing to the Carolina Panthers in Week 16. The Bucs could even miss out on the postseason if they lose to the Miami Dolphins and the Panthers beat the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17.
We’ve already been through the ins and outs of the matchup, so now it’s time to dish out some final score predictions. Let’s stop wasting time and dive in.
Bucs 20, Dolphins 16
Evan: This is a game Tampa Bay should win, but that’s also what we said heading into the last three matchups and the Saints and Falcons losses are ultimate proof this team can lose to anyone.
I expect another inconsistent day from the offense, but a solid day from the defense. Mike McDaniel will find ways to scheme up some big plays here and there, but the Bucs defense should settle in and take control pretty early on.
The Bucs just have to avoid the big mistakes like dumb penalties, miscommunications, etc. While that’s easier said than done, they should be able to get it together for a week and put themselves in position to make the playoffs with a win in Week 18.
Advertisement
Bucs 27, Dolphins 20
Kyle: I would suspect that the Dolphins arrive and play competitive football for the first 30 minutes of this contest — that’s usually the case. The question for me is whether or not the wheels fall off the bus for Tampa Bay before that. If Miami seizes a firm lead early on because of Tampa Bay miscues, I think that’s their ticket to a victory. It’s been the common theme all year long. Such a script allows McDaniel to stay where his roster is best served, which is featuring heavy doses of the run game.
But there’s a nasty truth to this game that I think will tilt the scales. The Dolphins put several veterans on injured reserve this weekend, and appear to be ramping up the opportunities for young players that have little to no experience. I don’t believe that’s the recipe for success against the Bucs, who are playing for their playoff lives.
View the original article to see embedded media.
This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Dec 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.