There is nothing quite like playoff time in the NFL. The atmosphere of each Sunday is just different. The weeks leading up to the postseason’s inaugural Wildcard round are stacked full of anticipation and nerves. With an ever-watchful eye over conference seeding and the careful nature of scoreboard watching in full effect, having a team with meaningful games in December and January is a privileged pressure reserved for a lucky few.
After their heart-racing week 17 win over the Carolina Panthers the Buccaneers have fastened their seatbelts for another ride in the postseason. This is now the team’s third consecutive trip to the tournament after more than a decade without admission.