# 2017 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season

The 2017 season was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 42nd in the National Football League (NFL), their fourth under the leadership of general manager Jason Licht, the 20th playing their home games at Raymond James Stadium and the second under head coach Dirk Koetter.
On March 9, 2017, the Buccaneers signed former Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson, defensive tackle Chris Baker, former Dallas Cowboys safety J. J. Wilcox (traded to Pittsburgh Steelers), former New York Jets kicker Nick Folk, and veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
The team's Week 1 game against the Miami Dolphins was rescheduled to November 19 due to Hurricane Irma. Week 11 was originally the two teams' bye week. Week 1 would become the bye week for both teams and they would not play until Week 2. This was first time since the Arizona Cardinals in 2001 in which a team had a bye week in Week 1.
The Buccaneers were hampered with poor performance and an early kicking situation, as they failed to improve or match their 9–7 record from the previous season. After a loss to the Detroit Lions on December 10, 2017, they were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs with a 4–9 record. The Bucs finished the season 5–11. This was their tenth consecutive season without a playoff appearance, with their last being in the 2007 season. Also, the Bucs finished last in the NFC South for the seventh time in nine seasons.
The preseason was documented on HBO's Hard Knocks.

## Offseason
### Signings

| Position | Player | Age | 2016 Team | Contract |
| WR | DeSean Jackson | 30 | Washington Redskins | 3 years, $33.5 million |
| DE | Chris Baker | 29 | Washington Redskins | 3 years, $15.7 million |
| FS | J.J. Wilcox | 28 | Dallas Cowboys | 2 years, $6.2 million |
| C | Joe Hawley | 28 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2 years, $5.5 million |
| CB | Josh Robinson | 26 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2 years, $5 million |
| FS | Chris Conte | 28 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2 years, $5 million |
| RB | Jacquizz Rodgers | 27 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2 years, $3.3 million |
| K | Nick Folk | 32 | New York Jets | 1 year, $1.7 million |
| DT | Sealver Siliga | 28 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1 year, $1.1 million |
| LS | Garrison Sanborn | 31 | Buffalo Bills | 1 year, $950,000 |

### Departures

| Position | Player | Age | 2017 Team |
| QB | Mike Glennon | 27 | Chicago Bears |
| WR | Russell Shepard | 26 | Carolina Panthers |
| DT | Akeem Spence | 25 | Detroit Lions |
| FS | Bradley McDougald | 26 | Seattle Seahawks |
| LB | Daryl Smith | 35 | Retired |
| CB | Alterraun Verner | 28 | Miami Dolphins |
| WR | Cecil Shorts | 29 | Retired |
| WR | Vincent Jackson | 34 | Retired |
| OT | Gosder Cherilus | 32 | Retired |

#### Acquisitions

The first transactions of the year occurred shortly after the conclusion of the 2016 regular season on January 2, 2017, when the Buccaneers signed offensive lineman Josh Allen, safety Isaiah Johnson, offensive lineman Mike Liedtke, cornerback Cody Riggs, running back Blake Sims, and tight end Tevin Westbrook to reserve/futures contracts.
On January 4, the Bucs signed tight end Kivon Cartwright and kicker John Lunsford to reserve/futures contracts. On January 5, the Bucs signed Edmonton Eskimos wide receiver Derel Walker, Saskatchewan Roughriders Jeff Knox Jr and guard Jarvis Harrison.
On September 3, the club signed T. J. Ward, previously with Denver, for a one-year deal worth $5 million.

## 2017 NFL draft
### Draft

2017 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft :
| Round | Selection | Player | Position | College |
| 1 | 19 | O.J. Howard | TE | Alabama |
| 2 | 50 | Justin Evans | S | Texas A&M |
| 3 | 84 | Chris Godwin | WR | Penn State |
| 3 | 107 | Kendell Beckwith | LB | LSU |
| 5 | 162 | Jeremy McNichols | RB | Boise State |
| 7 | 223 | Stevie Tu'ikolovatu | DT | USC |

## Preseason

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
| 1 | August 11 | at Cincinnati Bengals | L 12–23 | 0–1 | Paul Brown Stadium | Recap |
| 2 | August 17 | at Jacksonville Jaguars | W 12–8 | 1–1 | EverBank Field | Recap |
| 3 | August 26 | Cleveland Browns | L 9–13 | 1–2 | Raymond James Stadium | Recap |
| 4 | August 31 | Washington Redskins | L 10–13 | 1–3 | Raymond James Stadium | Recap |

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
| 1 | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye |
| 2 | September 17 | Chicago Bears | W 29–7 | 1–0 | Raymond James Stadium | Recap |
| 3 | September 24 | at Minnesota Vikings | L 17–34 | 1–1 | U.S. Bank Stadium | Recap |
| 4 | October 1 | New York Giants | W 25–23 | 2–1 | Raymond James Stadium | Recap |
| 5 | October 5 | New England Patriots | L 14–19 | 2–2 | Raymond James Stadium | Recap |
| 6 | October 15 | at Arizona Cardinals | L 33–38 | 2–3 | University of Phoenix Stadium | Recap |
| 7 | October 22 | at Buffalo Bills | L 27–30 | 2–4 | New Era Field | Recap |
| 8 | October 29 | Carolina Panthers | L 3–17 | 2–5 | Raymond James Stadium | Recap |
| 9 | November 5 | at New Orleans Saints | L 10–30 | 2–6 | Mercedes-Benz Superdome | Recap |
| 10 | November 12 | New York Jets | W 15–10 | 3–6 | Raymond James Stadium | Recap |
| 11 | November 19 | at Miami Dolphins | W 30–20 | 4–6 | Hard Rock Stadium | Recap |
| 12 | November 26 | at Atlanta Falcons | L 20–34 | 4–7 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Recap |
| 13 | December 3 | at Green Bay Packers | L 20–26 (OT) | 4–8 | Lambeau Field | Recap |
| 14 | December 10 | Detroit Lions | L 21–24 | 4–9 | Raymond James Stadium | Recap |
| 15 | December 18 | Atlanta Falcons | L 21–24 | 4–10 | Raymond James Stadium | Recap |
| 16 | December 24 | at Carolina Panthers | L 19–22 | 4–11 | Bank of America Stadium | Recap |
| 17 | December 31 | New Orleans Saints | W 31–24 | 5–11 | Raymond James Stadium | Recap |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

### Game summaries
#### Week 2: vs. Chicago Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bears | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Buccaneers | 10 | 16 | 0 | 3 | 29 |
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
* Date: September 17
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 88 °F (31 °C), clear
* Game attendance: 56,640
* Referee: Ronald Torbert
* TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Mark Schlereth and Shannon Spake
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
TB – Nick Folk 42-yard field goal, 9:02. Buccaneers 3–0 Drive 13 plays, 56 yards, 6:02.
TB – Mike Evans 13-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Nick Folk kick), 0:15. Buccaneers 10–0 Drive 1 play, 13 yards, 0:05.
Second quarter
TB – Jacquizz Rodgers 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 7:35. Buccaneers 17–0 Drive 9 plays, 65 yards, 3:56.
TB – Robert McClain 47-yard interception return (kick failed, wide right), 4:21. Buccaneers 23-0
TB – Nick Folk 50-yard field goal, ):04. Buccaneers 26-0 Drive 8 plays, 48 yards, 1:04.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
TB – Nick Folk 23-yard field goal, 12:29. Buccaneers 29-0 Drive 16 plays, 87 yards, 8:36.
CHI – Deonte Thompson 14-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Connor Barth kick), 1:49. Buccaneers 29-7 Drive 7 plays, 62 yards, 2:07.
Top passers
CHI – Mike Glennon – 31/45, 301 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
TB – Jameis Winston – 18/30, 204 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
CHI – Tarik Cohen – 7 rushes, 13 yards
TB – Jacquizz Rodgers – 19 rushes, 67 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
CHI – Kendall Wright – 7 receptions, 69 yards
TB – Mike Evans – 7 receptions, 93 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers
CHI – Eddie Jackson – 7 tackles, 1 assisted tackle
TB – Lavonte David – 8 tackles, 1 assisted tackle :
After a bye in Week 1 due to Hurricane Irma, Tampa Bay began their season in Week 2 against Chicago. Jameis Winston threw for 204 yards and 1 touchdown pass to Mike Evans, as the Buccaneers routed the Bears 29–7. Bears quarterback (and former Buccaneer) Mike Glennon lost a fumble, and threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.

#### Week 3: at Minnesota Vikings

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers | 3 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 17 |
| Vikings | 7 | 14 | 10 | 3 | 34 |
at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: September 24
* Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
* Game attendance: 66,390
* Referee: John Hussey
* TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Chris Spielman and Peter Schrager
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
MIN – Dalvin Cook 1-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 10:58. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:02.
TB – Nick Folk 40-yard field goal, 6:18. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 4:40.
Second quarter
MIN – Jarius Wright 2-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 10:25. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 5:57.
MIN – Stefon Diggs 17-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 0:47. Vikings 21–3. Drive: 6 plays, 92 yards, 3:04.
Third quarter
MIN – Stefon Diggs 59-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kai Forbath kick), 12:25. Vikings 28–3. Drive: 3 plays, 66 yards, 1:03.
TB – Cameron Brate 15-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Nick Folk kick), 8:47. Vikings 28–10. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 3:38.
MIN – Kai Forbath 20-yard field goal, 2:24. Vikings 31–10. Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 6:23.
TB – DeSean Jackson 25-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Nick Folk kick), 0:00. Vikings 31–17. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:24.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Kai Forbath 37-yard field goal, 8:40. Vikings 34–17. Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 3:45.
Top passers
TB – Jameis Winston – 28/40, 328 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
MIN – Case Keenum – 25/33, 369 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
TB – Jacquizz Rodgers – 5 rushes, 15 yards
MIN – Dalvin Cook – 27 rushes, 97 yards, TD
Top receivers
TB – DeSean Jackson – 4 receptions, 84 yards, TD
MIN – Stefon Diggs – 8 receptions, 173 yards, 2 TD :
Before the game, wide receivers Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson kneeled during the national anthem after comments made by president Donald Trump about national anthem protests two days prior. The Vikings jumped out to a 28–3 lead by the third quarter, while the Buccaneers defense could not contain Case Keenum, who threw for 369 yards and three touchdown passes. After quarterback Jameis Winston threw his second interception, a frustrated Evans was seen kicking over the ice tub on the sidelines. Minnesota held on to top Tampa Bay by the final score of 34–17.

#### Week 4: vs. New York Giants

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Giants | 0 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 23 |
| Buccaneers | 13 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 25 |
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
* Date: October 1
* Game time: 4:05 pm. EDT
* Game weather: 91 °F (33 °C), cloudy
* Game attendance: 63,916
* Referee: Craig Wrolstad
* TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber, Tiki Barber and Kristina Pink
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
TB – Mike Evans 6-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Nick Folk kick), 7:47. Buccaneers 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 2:01.
TB – O. J. Howard 58-yard pass from Jameis Winston (kick failed), 3:00. Buccaneers 13–0. Drive: 2 plays, 70 yards, 0:45.
Second quarter
NYG – Aldrick Rosas 30-yard field goal, 7:17. Buccaneers 13–3. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 4:36.
NYG – Eli Manning 14-yard run (Aldrick Rosas kick), 3:17. Buccaneers 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:12.
TB – Nick Folk 20-yard field goal, 0:32. Buccaneers 16–10. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 2:45.
Third quarter
NYG – Wayne Gallman 4-yard pass from Eli Manning (Aldrick Rosas kick), 4:19. Giants 17–16. Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 5:51.
Fourth quarter
TB – Cameron Brate 14-yard pass from Jameis Winston (pass failed), 7:44. Buccaneers 22–17. Drive: 4 plays, 57 yards, 1:41.
NYG – Rhett Ellison 2-yard pass from Eli Manning (pass failed), 3:16. Giants 23–22. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:28.
TB – Nick Folk 34-yard field goal, 0:00. Buccaneers 25–23. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 3:16.
Top passers
NYG – Eli Manning – 30/49, 288 yards, 2 TD
TB – Jameis Winston – 22/38, 332 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
NYG – Wayne Gallman – 11 carries, 42 yards
TB – Jacquizz Rodgers – 16 carries, 83 yards
Top receivers
NYG – Odell Beckham Jr. – 7 receptions, 90 yards
TB – Adam Humphries – 6 receptions, 70 yards
Top tacklers
NYG –
TB – :
Jameis Winston threw for 332 yards and three touchdown passes, but Tampa Bay found themselves trailing by a point late in the fourth quarter to the New York Giants. Tampa Bay jumped out to a 13–0 lead in the first quarter, but kicker Nick Folk missed an extra point and later missed two field goal attempts. The Giants took a 23–22 lead with 3:16 remaining in regulation after a 2-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning to Rhett Ellison. In the final three minutes, Winston drove the Buccaneers to the Giants' 16-yard line. Folk kicked a 34-yard field goal just inside the left upright as time expired, and Tampa Bay won 25–23.

#### Week 5: vs. New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots | 3 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 19 |
| Buccaneers | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
* Date: October 5
* Game time: 8:25 pm. EDT
* Game weather: 76 °F (24 °C), clear
* Game attendance: 64,476
* Referee: Carl Cheffers
* TV announcers (CBS/NFLN/Amazon Video): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 27-yard field goal, 1:21. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 89 yards, 7:10.
Second quarter
TB – Doug Martin 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 8:26. Buccanneers 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:12.
NE – Chris Hogan 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:42. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:44.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 23-yard field goal, 9:55. Patriots 13–7. Drive: 7 plasy, 22 yards, 1:33.
Third quarter
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 45-yard field goal, 9:55. Patriots 16–7. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:25.
Fourth quarter
TB – Cameron Brate 18-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Nick Folk kick), 2:09. Patriots 16–14. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 2:17.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 48-yard field goal, 1:10. Patriots 19–14. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 0:59.
Top passers
NE – Tom Brady – 30/40, 303 yards, TD, INT
TB – Jameis Winston – 26/46, 334 yards, TD
Top rushers
NE – Dion Lewis – 7 rushes, 53 yards
TB – Doug Martin – 13 rushes, 74 yards, TD
Top receivers
NE – Brandin Cooks – 5 receptions, 85 yards
TB – DeSean Jackson – 5 receptions, 106 yards
Top tacklers
NE – Devin McCourty – 11 tackles
TB – Kendell Beckwith – 12 tackles :
The Tampa Bay defense played significantly better, picking off Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (his first interception of the season) and getting a sack fumble. Running back Doug Martin returned from his suspension, and had a productive showing, rushing for 74 yards on 14 carries and scoring a touchdown. However, the Tampa Bay offense mostly struggled through the first three-quarters. Meanwhile, Buccaneers kicker Nick Folk struggled mightily, missing on all three of his field goal attempts. Late in the fourth quarter, Jameis Winston threw a touchdown pass to tight end Cameron Brate, making the score 16–14 with just over two minutes left in regulation. After a failed onside kicked, the Patriots scored a field goal putting themselves up by five. The Buccaneers got the ball back with 1:10 remaining, and zero timeouts left. Winston drove the Buccaneers to the New England 18-yard line with 3 seconds to go. Winston's pass to O. J. Howard in the endzone as time expired fell incomplete, ending the team's six-game home winning streak. After missing six kicks since the Giants game (five field goals and one extra point), kicker Nick Folk was placed on injured reserve.

#### Week 6: at Arizona Cardinals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers | 0 | 0 | 6 | 27 | 33 |
| Cardinals | 14 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 38 |
at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
* Date: October 15
* Game time: 4:05 pm. EDT/1:05 p.m. MST
* Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
* Game attendance: 63,999
* Referee: Gene Steratore
* TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Charles Davis and Pam Oliver
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
ARI – Adrian Peterson 27-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 11:52. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:08.
ARI – Troy Niklas 14-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Phil Dawson kick), 5:24. Cardinals 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 86 yards, 3:38.
Second quarter
ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 11-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Phil Dawson kick), 12:04. Cardinals 21–0. Drive: 7 plays, 95 yards, 4:04.
ARI – Phil Dawson 28-yard field goal, 5:31. Cardinals 24–0. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 6:02.
Third quarter
ARI – John Brown 17-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Phil Dawson kick), 11:58. Cardinals 31–0. Drive: 4 plays, 33 yards, 2:11.
TB – DeSean Jackson 4-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (run failed), 8:27. Cardinals 31–6. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:31.
Fourth quarter
TB – Cameron Brate 10-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (pass failed), 13:32. Cardinals 31–12. Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 2:50.
TB – Lavonte David 21-yard fumble return (Doug Martin run), 12:56. Cardinals 31–19.
ARI – Adrian Peterson 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 7:17. Cardinals 38–19. Drive: 1 plays, 1 yards, 0:05.
TB – Doug Martin 1-yard run (pass failed), 3:02. Cardinals 38–25. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:15.
TB – Mike Evans 37-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Patrick Murray kick), 2:02. Cardinals 38–33. Drive: 3 plays, 65 yards, 0:32.
Top passers
TB – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 22/32, 290 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
ARI – Carson Palmer – 18/22, 283 yards, 3 TD, INT
Top rushers
TB – Doug Martin – 14 carries, 53 yards, TD
ARI – Adrian Peterson – 26 carries, 134 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
TB – Cameron Brate – 6 receptions, 76 yards, TD
ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 10 receptions, 138 yards, TD
Top tacklers
TB –
ARI – :
The Buccaneers started off horribly, both offensively and defensively as the Cardinals scored early. Five days earlier, veteran running back Adrian Peterson had been traded to Arizona from the Saints. Peterson started his first game for the Cardinals, scoring on the opening drive. Down 24–0 in the second quarter, Jameis Winston was sidelined with a shoulder injury and was replaced by backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Winston would not return. After Fitzpatrick threw an interception early in the third quarter, the Cardinals scored again taking a 31–0 lead. The Buccaneers mounted a comeback, outscoring the Cardinals 33-7 for the remainder of the game, but came up short 38-33 after failing to recover an onside kick with just 2:02 remaining in regulation.

#### Week 7: at Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers | 6 | 0 | 7 | 14 | 27 |
| Bills | 3 | 7 | 7 | 13 | 30 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
* Date: October 22
* Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
* Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C), sunny
* Game attendance: 68,561
* Referee: Clete Blakeman
* TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
TB – Patrick Murray 50-yard FG, 9:44. Buccaneers 3-0. Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 5:16.
BUF – Stephen Hauschka 25-yard FG, 5:45. Tie 3-3. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 3:59.
TB – Murray 25-yard FG, 0:22. Buccaneers 6-3. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:23.
Second quarter
BUF – LeSean McCoy 1-yard run (Stephen Hauschka kick), 9:26. Bills 10-6. Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 5:56.
Third quarter
BUF – Logan Thomas 22-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (Hauschka kick), 11:36. Bills 17-6. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:24.
TB – O. J. Howard 7-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Murray kick), 7:11. Bills 17-13. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:25.
Fourth quarter
BUF – Hauschka 52-yard FG, 13:31. Bills 20-13. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 4:26.
TB – Howard 33-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Murray kick), 10:08. Tie 20-20. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:23.
TB – Mike Evans 12-yard pass from Winston (Murray kick), 3:14. Buccaneers 27-20. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 6:16.
BUF – McCoy 7-yard run (Hauschka kick), 2:28. Tie 27-27. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:46.
BUF – Hauschka 30-yard FG, 0:14. Bills 30-27. Drive: 7 plays, 21 yards, 2:06.
Top passers
TB – Jameis Winston – 32/44, 384 yds, 3 TD, INT
BUF – Tyrod Taylor – 20/33, 268 yds, TD
Top rushers
TB – Doug Martin – 20 rush, 49 yds
BUF – LeSean McCoy – 23 rush, 91 yds, 2 TD
Top receivers
TB – Mike Evans – 7 rec, 88 yds, TD
BUF – LeSean McCoy – 5 rec, 31 yds
Top tacklers
TB – Lavonte David – 12 tkls, 2 asts, 1 ff
BUF – Preston Brown – 5 tkls, 6 asts :
The Buccaneers played a more consistent game, but still came up short in Buffalo. After scoring early in the third quarter, Buffalo took a 17–6 lead. After another Bills field goal, and two touchdown passes from Jameis Winston to rookie tight-end O. J. Howard, the game was tied, 20-20. With just over 3 minutes remaining in regulation, another touchdown pass by Winston, this time a diving catch just inbounds by Mike Evans gave the Buccaneers a 27–20 lead. On the next drive, the Bills drove down the field in three plays to tie the game, aided by an ill-timed 15-yard Unnecessary Roughness penalty by Robert McClain. With 2:20 left in the fourth, a pass from Winston to Adam Humphries was fumbled and recovered by the Bills at Tampa Bay 32-yard line. After running down the clock, the Bills kicked a field goal to win the game. With this loss, the Buccaneers now have lost three straight games, all by less than one score, and sit at 2–4 at the bottom of the NFC South.

#### Week 8: vs. Carolina Panthers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Panthers | 7 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
| Buccaneers | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
* Date: October 29
* Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
* Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C), cloudy
* Game attendance: 58,545
* Referee: Walt Coleman
* TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
CAR – Jonathan Stewart 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 1:34. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 17 plays, 82 yards, 8:38.
Second quarter
CAR – Graham Gano 28-yard field goal, 0:17. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 2:11.
Third quarter
TB – Patrick Murray 41-yard field goal, 4:49. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 3:27.
Fourth quarter
CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 25-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 8:48. Panthers 17–3. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 2:44.
Top passers
CAR – Cam Newton – 18/32, 154 yards, TD, INT
TB – Jameis Winston – 21/38, 210 yards, 2 INT
Top rushers
CAR – Cam Newton – 11 carries, 44 yards
TB – Doug Martin – 18 carries, 71 yards
Top receivers
CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 5 receptions, 49 yards
TB – Mike Evans – 5 receptions, 60 yards
Top tacklers
CAR –
TB – :
The Buccaneers drop their fourth straight game in a disappointing loss. The defense improved, while the offense only put up 3 points. With this loss, the Bucs move to 2-5 and are still at the bottom of the NFC South.

#### Week 9: at New Orleans Saints

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Saints | 9 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 30 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
* Date: November 5
* Game time: 1:00 pm. EST/12:00 pm. CST
* Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
* Game attendance: 73,121
* Referee: Bill Vinovich
* TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Chris Spielman and Peter Schrager
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
NO – Wil Lutz 40-yard field goal, 8:49. Saints 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 6:11.
NO – Justin Hardee 7-yard return of block punt (kick blocked), 6:31. Saints 9–0.
Second quarter
TB – Patrick Murray 50-yard field goal, 2:57. Saints 9–3. Drive: 10 plays, 40 yards, 5:44.
NO – Alvin Kamara 33-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 0:55. Saints 16–3. Drive: 7 plays, 93 yards, 2:02.
Third quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara 6-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 9:59. Saints 23–3. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:31.
NO – Ted Ginn Jr. 36-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 9:39. Saints 30–3. Drive: 1 plays, 36 yards, 0:07.
Fourth quarter
TB – Luke Stocker 8-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Patrick Murray kick), 6:48. Saints 30–10. Drive: 3 plays, 19 yards, 1:26.
Top passers
TB – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 8/15, 68 yards, TD
NO – Drew Brees – 22/27, 263 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
TB – Peyton Barber – 11 carries, 34 yards
NO – Mark Ingram II – 16 carries, 77 yards
Top receivers
TB – DeSean Jackson – 2 receptions, 25 yards
NO – Michael Thomas – 8 receptions, 65 yards
Top tacklers
TB –
NO – :
The offense once again struggled as the Bucs lost their fifth straight game and their second straight against a division opponent. Jameis Winston sat out of the second half due to an injury and was replaced by Ryan Fitzpatrick. This game was also marred by a brawl on Tampa Bay's sideline in the 3rd quarter when Winston, who was already considered out with the aforementioned injury, went over and pushed Marshon Lattimore in his ear, and Mike Evans suddenly shoved Lattimore from behind to spark the fight; however, there were no ejections.
With this loss, the Bucs move to 2–6. This is the Bucs' longest losing streak since the 2014 season.

#### Week 10: vs. New York Jets

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Buccaneers | 3 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 15 |
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
* Date: November 12
* Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
* Game weather: 79 °F (26 °C), cloudy
* Game attendance: 57,911
* Referee: Brad Allen
* TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
TB – Patrick Murray 29-yard field goal, 0:54. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 17 plays, 77 yards, 7:56.
Second quarter
NYJ – Chandler Catanzaro 47-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 3–3. Drive: 16 plays, 51 yards, 7:23.
Third quarter
TB – Patrick Murray 49-yard field goal, 10:42. Buccaneers 6–3. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:18.
TB – Patrick Murray 37-yard field goal, 0:29. Buccaneers 9–3. Drive: 7 plays, 32 yards, 2:56.
Fourth quarter
TB – Charles Sims 6-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (run failed), 6:05. Buccaneers 15–3. Drive: 15 plays, 81 yards, 7:25.
NYJ – Robby Anderson 38-yard pass from Josh McCown (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 0:28. Buccaneers 15–10. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 1:25.
Top passers
NYJ – Josh McCown – 23/39, 262 yards, TD, INT
TB – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 17/34, 187 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
NYJ – Bilal Powell – 10 carries, 30 yards
TB – Doug Martin – 20 carries, 51 yards
Top receivers
NYJ – Austin Seferian-Jenkins – 6 receptions, 67 yards
TB – DeSean Jackson – 6 receptions, 82 yards
Top tacklers
NYJ –
TB – :
The Bucs end their five-game losing streak with a win at home against the Jets. With Jameis Winston out with an injury and Mike Evans out due to a one-game suspension earned in the previous game against the Saints, Ryan Fitzpatrick and rookie Chris Godwin got the starts for the Bucs. The only scores came from field goals until the fourth quarter where both teams scored late touchdowns. The Bucs scored first taking a 15–3 lead, then the Jets scored with 38 seconds left, cutting the lead to five points. A failed Jets onside kick sealed a Bucs win.

#### Week 11: at Miami Dolphins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers | 3 | 17 | 0 | 10 | 30 |
| Dolphins | 7 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 20 |
at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
* Date: November 19
* Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
* Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C), sunny
* Game attendance: 65,089
* Referee: Tony Corrente
* TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Mark Schlereth and Shannon Spake
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
TB – Patrick Murray 30-yard field goal, 7:13. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:28.
MIA – Jarvis Landry 2-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Cody Parkey kick), 4:23. Dolphins 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 90 yards, 2:50.
Second quarter
TB – Patrick Murray 30-yard field goal, 14:10. Dolphins 7–6. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 5:13.
TB – O. J. Howard 6-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Patrick Murray kick), 12:14. Buccaneers 13–7. Drive: 3 plays, 5 yards, 0:41.
TB – DeSean Jackson 4-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Patrick Murray kick), 0:45. Buccaneers 20–7. Drive: 4 plays, 37 yards, 1:05.
Third quarter
MIA – Cody Parkey 26-yard field goal, 10:57. Buccaneers 20–10. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 4:03.
MIA – Cody Parkey 31-yard field goal, 4:19. Buccaneers 20–13. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 4:52.
Fourth quarter
MIA – Kenny Stills 61-yard pass from Matt Moore (Cody Parkey kick), 3:00. Tied 20–20. Drive: 5 plays, 74 yards, 1:37.
TB – Patrick Murray 35-yard field goal, 0:04. Buccaneers 23–20. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 2:56.
TB – Adarius Glanton fumble recovery in end zone (Patrick Murray kick), 0:00. Buccaneers 30–20.
Top passers
TB – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 22/37, 275 yards, 2 TD
MIA – Matt Moore – 17/28, 282 yards, TD
Top rushers
TB – Doug Martin – 19 carries, 38 yards
MIA – Damien Williams – 10 carries, 78 yards
Top receivers
TB – Mike Evans – 5 receptions, 92 yards
MIA – Kenny Stills – 7 receptions, 180 yards, TD
Top tacklers
TB –
MIA – :
After originally being slated to play in Week 1, the Bucs and the Dolphins finally met on what should have been each other's bye week. The Bucs win consecutive games for the first time this year with a 30–20 win. The defense created 4 turnovers in the first half, 3 interceptions and one fumble. Ryan Fitzpatrick started once again, finishing with over 270 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. With this win, the Bucs move to 4–6.

#### Week 12: at Atlanta Falcons

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers | 3 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 20 |
| Falcons | 3 | 17 | 7 | 7 | 34 |
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
* Date: November 26
* Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
* Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
* Game attendance: 71,036
* Referee: Jeff Triplette
* TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Mark Schlereth and Shannon Spake
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
TB – Patrick Murray 36-yard field goal, 9:45. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 5:15.
ATL – Matt Bryant 49-yard field goal, 3:50. Tied 3–3. Drive: 13 plays, 43 yards, 5:55.
Second quarter
ATL – Julio Jones 51-yard pass from Mohamed Sanu (Matt Bryant kick), 12:36. Falcons 10–3. Drive: 3 plays, 60 yards, 1:23.
ATL – Julio Jones 25-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 7:26. Falcons 17–3. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:12.
TB – Patrick Murray 27-yard field goal, 1:36. Falcons 17–6. Drive: 14 plays, 74 yards, 5:50.
ATL – Matt Bryant 36-yard field goal, 0:00. Falcons 20–6. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 1:36.
Third quarter
ATL – Tevin Coleman 3-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 10:04. Falcons 27–6. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 4:56.
TB – Peyton Barber 2-yard run (Patrick Murray kick), 6:07. Falcons 27–13. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:57.
Fourth quarter
TB – Peyton Barber 1-yard run (Patrick Murray kick), 13:47. Falcons 27–20. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:39.
ATL – Tevin Coleman 14-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 1:53. Falcons 34–20. Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards, 5:12.
Top passers
TB – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 27/44, 283 yards
ATL – Matt Ryan – 26/25, 317 yards, TD
Top rushers
TB – Doug Martin – 7 carries, 33 yards
ATL – Tevin Coleman – 19 carries, 97 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
TB – DeSean Jackson – 8 receptions, 60 yards
ATL – Julio Jones – 12 receptions, 253 yards, 2 TD
Top tacklers
TB –
ATL – :
The Bucs go 0–3 in the division with a loss at the Falcons. After going down 27–6 in the third quarter, the Bucs fought back to cut the lead to 27–20. After a turn over on downs, the Falcons scored again to end the game. With this loss, the Bucs fall to 4–7, equaling their loss total from last season.

#### Week 13: at Green Bay Packers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Buccaneers | 7 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 20 |
| Packers | 3 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 26 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
* Date: December 3
* Game time: 1:00 pm. EST/12:00 pm. CST
* Game weather: 42 °F (6 °C), cloudy
* Game attendance: 77,684
* Referee: Terry McAulay
* TV announcers (Fox): Tim Brando, Greg Jennings and Jennifer Hale
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
TB – Cameron Brate 28-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Patrick Murray kick), 9:58. Buccaneers 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:08.
GB – Mason Crosby 37-yard field goal, 2:34. Buccaneers 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 61 yards, 7:22.
Second quarter
GB – Jamaal Williams 1-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 7:17. Packers 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 2:32.
GB – Dean Lowry 61-yard fumble return (Mason Crosby kick), 4:31. Packers 17–7.
TB – Patrick Murray 36-yard field goal, 0:17. Packers 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 4:04.
Third quarter
No scoring plays
Fourth quarter
TB – Patrick Murray 30-yard field goal, 14:33. Packers 17–13. Drive: 13 plays, 59 yards, 5:50.
TB – Cameron Brate 11-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Patrick Murray kick), 6:06. Buccaneers 20–17. Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 7:02.
GB – Mason Crosby 22-yard field goal, 2:03. Tied 20–20. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 4:01.
Overtime
GB – Aaron Jones 20-yard run, 6:08. Packers 26–20. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 4:01.
Top passers
TB – Jameis Winston – 21/32, 270 yards, 2 TD
GB – Brett Hundley – 13/22, 84 yards, INT
Top rushers
TB – Peyton Barber – 23 rushes, 102 yards
GB – Jamaal Williams – 21 rushes, 113 yards, TD
Top receivers
TB – Peyton Barber – 4 receptions, 41 yards
GB – Davante Adams – 4 receptions, 42 yards :
With the loss, the Bucs exceeded their loss total from the previous season.

#### Week 14: vs. Detroit Lions

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Lions | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 24 |
| Buccaneers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 21 |
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
* Date: December 10
* Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
* Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C), clear
* Game attendance: 60,372
* Referee: Ed Hochuli
* TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Kristina Pink
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
DET – Theo Riddick 2-yard run. (Matt Prater kick). Lions 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:04.
TB – Doug Martin 1-yard run. (Patrick Murray kick). Tied 7–7. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:14.
Second quarter
DET – Golden Tate 5-yard pass from Matthew Stafford. (Matt Prater kick). Lions 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 3:21.
Third quarter
DET - Theo Riddick 18-yard run. (Matt Prater kick). Lions 21–7. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 2:59.
Fourth quarter
TB – O. J. Howard 2-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Patrick Murray kick). Lions 21–14. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:30.
TB – Leonard Wester 2-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Patrick Murray kick). Tied 21–21. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 2:06.
DET – Matt Prater 46-yard field goal. Lions 24–21. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 2:34.
Top passers
DET – Matthew Stafford – 36/44, 381 yards, TD, 2 INT
TB – Jameis Winston – 26/38, 285 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
DET – Theo Riddick – 10 carries, 29 yards, 2 TD
TB – Peyton Barber – 12 carries, 58 yards
Top receivers
DET – Eric Ebron – 10 receptions, 94 yards
TB – Chris Godwin – 5 receptions, 68 yards
Top tacklers
DET – Glover Quin – 8 tackles, 1 assist
TB – Lavonte David – 13 tackles, 1 assist :
After going down 21–7 in the third, the Bucs fought back to tie the game 21-21. With 20 seconds left, the Lions scored a field goal to secure the win. With this loss, the Bucs were officially mathematically out of the playoffs. This marked the 10th straight season without a playoff appearance.

#### Week 15: vs. Atlanta Falcons

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Falcons | 7 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 24 |
| Buccaneers | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
* Date: December 18
* Game time: 8:30 pm. EST
* Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C), clear
* Game attendance: 62,382
* Referee: John Hussey
* TV announcers (ESPN): Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
ATL – Justin Hardy 6-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 6:54. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 4:59.
TB – O. J. Howard 30-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Patrick Murray kick), 1:52. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 5:02.
Second quarter
ATL – Levine Toilolo 0-yard fumble recovery (Matt Bryant kick), 12:56. Falcons 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 3:56.
ATL – Matt Bryant 57-yard field goal, 3:12. Falcons 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 3:18.
Third quarter
TB – Mike Evans 42-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Patrick Murray kick), 8:31. Falcons 17–14. Drive: 3 plays, 53 yards, 1:28.
Fourth quarter
ATL – Devonta Freeman 32-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 7:58. Falcons 24–14. Drive: 10 plays, 87 yards, 5:23.
TB – Adam Humphries 16-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Patrick Murray kick), 4:07. Falcons 24–21. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:51.
Top passers
ATL – Matt Ryan – 17/31, 212 yards, TD
TB – Jameis Winston – 27/35, 299 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
ATL – Devonta Freeman – 22 carries, 126 yards, TD
TB – Peyton Barber – 13 carries, 53 yards
Top receivers
ATL – Devonta Freeman – 5 receptions, 68 yards
TB – Mike Evans – 5 receptions, 79 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers
ATL –
TB – :
The Bucs lost their fourth straight game. This marked the first time since 2014 where the Bucs didn't win at least one of the two games against the Falcons. Jameis Winston played, arguably, his best game of the season finishing 27/35 on passes, throwing three touchdowns with no interceptions. A late fourth quarter pass to Adam Humphries brought the Bucs within three points, but kicker Pat Murray missed a 54-yard field goal with 0 seconds remaining to seal the loss. The Bucs move to 4–10 on the season, with the last two games being against division rivals New Orleans and Carolina.
During halftime, former Bucs coach Jon Gruden was inducted into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor. He is best known for leading the Bucs to their first Super Bowl win.

#### Week 16: at Carolina Panthers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers | 3 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 19 |
| Panthers | 3 | 9 | 3 | 7 | 22 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
* Date: December 24
* Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
* Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C), cloudy
* Game attendance: 71,463
* Referee: Jerome Boger
* TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Kristina Pink
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
CAR – Graham Gano 25-yard field goal, 8:13. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 26 yards, 3:55.
TB – Patrick Murray 31-yard field goal, 2:24. Tied 3–3. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 5:49.
Second quarter
CAR – Graham Gano 28-yard field goal, 8:38. Panthers 6–3. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 4:58.
TB – Patrick Murray 41-yard field goal, 2:58. Tied 6–6. Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 2:18.
CAR – Damiere Byrd 103-yard kickoff return (kick failed), 2:43. Panthers 12–6.
TB – Patrick Murray 21-yard field goal, 0:02. Panthers 12–9. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 2:41.
Third quarter
TB – Bobo Wilsonn 18-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Patrick Murray kick), 10:27. Buccaneers 16–12. Drive: 3 plays, 49 yards, 1:01.
CAR – Graham Gano 30-yard field goal, 4:49. Buccaneers 16–15. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 5:38.
Fourth quarter
TB – Patrick Murray 26-yard field goal, 14:57. Buccaneers 19–15. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 4:52.
CAR – Cam Newton 2-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 0:35. Panthers 22–19. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 2:25.
Top passers
TB – Jameis Winston – 21/27, 367 yards, TD
CAR – Cam Newton – 16/25, 160 yards, INT
Top rushers
TB – Peyton Barber – 13 carries, 51 yards
CAR – Cam Newton – 14 carries, 52 yards, TD
Top receivers
TB – Mike Evans – 6 receptions, 107 yards
CAR – Brenton Bersin – 3 receptions, 45 yards
Top tacklers
TB –
CAR – :
The Bucs drop their fifth straight for the second time this season. With this loss, the Bucs have had 7 of their 11 losses come by 7 points or less.

#### Week 17: vs. New Orleans Saints

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints | 14 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 24 |
| Buccaneers | 7 | 6 | 0 | 18 | 31 |
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
* Date: December 31
* Game time: 4:25 pm. EST
* Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C), clear
* Game attendance: 55,376
* Referee: Walt Anderson
* TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Chris Spielman and Peter Schrager
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
TB – Peyton Barber 1-yard run (Patrick Murray kick), 9:42. Buccaneers 7–0. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 5:18.
NO – Alvin Kamara 106-yard kickoff return (Wil Lutz kick), 9:29. Tied 7–7.
NO – Alvin Kamara 7-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 2:36. Saints 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 3:24.
Second quarter
TB – Jameis Winston 1-yard run (kick failed), 5:50. Saints 14–13. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:15.
Third quarter
NO – Wil Lutz 48-yard field goal, 2:44. Saints 17–13. Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 5:18.
Fourth quarter
TB – Isaiah Johnson 7-yard fumble return (Patrick Murray kick), 14:04. Buccaneers 20–17.
NO – Zach Line 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 7:07. Saints 24–20. Drive: 13 plays, 92 yards, 6:57.
TB – Patrick Murray 42-yard field goal, 4:31. Saints 24–23. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 2:36.
TB – Chris Godwin 39-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Jameis Winston-Mike Evans pass), 0:09. Buccaneers 31–24. Drive: 11 plays, 95 yards, 1:49.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 22/30, 245 yards, TD
TB – Jameis Winston – 28/51, 363 yards, TD, 3 INT
Top rushers
NO – Alvin Kamara – 9 carries, 44 yards, TD
TB – Peyton Barber – 17 carries, 71 yards, TD
Top receivers
NO – Michael Thomas – 6 receptions, 94 yards
TB – Chris Godwin – 7 receptions, 111 yards, TD
Top tacklers
NO –
TB – :
The Bucs finish the season with a win against a division rival. A late 4th quarter touchdown pass from Jameis Winston to rookie wide receiver Chris Godwin with 9 seconds remaining gave the Bucs their first win against a division opponent this year. With this win, the Bucs finish the season 5-11, their sixth losing season in eight years. They went 4–4 in home games and 1–7 in road games. They will pick 7th in the 2018 NFL draft.

### Standings
#### Division

NFC South :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| $^{(4)}$ New Orleans Saints | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 4–2 | 8–4 | 448 | 326 | L1 |
| $^{(5)}$ Carolina Panthers | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 3–3 | 7–5 | 363 | 327 | L1 |
| $^{(6)}$ Atlanta Falcons | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 4–2 | 9–3 | 353 | 315 | W1 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 3–9 | 335 | 382 | W1 |

#### Conference

NFCvte :
| # | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK |
| Division leaders ||||||||||||
| 1 | Philadelphia Eagles | East | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 5–1 | 10–2 | .461 | .433 | L1 |
| 2 | Minnesota Vikings | North | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 5–1 | 10–2 | .492 | .447 | W3 |
| 3 | Los Angeles Rams | West | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .504 | .460 | L1 |
| 4 | New Orleans Saints | South | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 4–2 | 8–4 | .535 | .483 | L1 |
| Wild Cards ||||||||||||
| 5 | Carolina Panthers | South | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 3–3 | 7–5 | .539 | .500 | L1 |
| 6 | Atlanta Falcons | South | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 4–2 | 9–3 | .543 | .475 | W1 |
| Did not qualify for the postseason ||||||||||||
| 7 | Detroit Lions | North | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 5–1 | 8–4 | .496 | .368 | W1 |
| 8 | Seattle Seahawks | West | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .492 | .444 | L1 |
| 9 | Dallas Cowboys | East | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 5–1 | 7–5 | .496 | .438 | W1 |
| 10 | Arizona Cardinals | West | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 3–3 | 5–7 | .488 | .406 | W2 |
| 11 | Green Bay Packers | North | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 2–4 | 5–7 | .539 | .357 | L3 |
| 12 | Washington Redskins | East | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 1–5 | 5–7 | .539 | .429 | L1 |
| 13 | San Francisco 49ers | West | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 1–5 | 3–9 | .512 | .438 | W5 |
| 14 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | South | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 3–9 | .555 | .375 | W1 |
| 15 | Chicago Bears | North | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 0–6 | 1–11 | .559 | .500 | L1 |
| 16 | New York Giants | East | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | 1–5 | 1–11 | .531 | .458 | W1 |
| Tiebreakers ||||||||||||
| 1 2 Philadelphia claimed the No. 1 seed over Minnesota based on winning percentage vs. common opponents. Philadelphia's cumulative record against Carolina, Chicago, the Los Angeles Rams and Washington was 5–0, compared to Minnesota's 4–1 cumulative record against the same four teams. 1 2 LA Rams claimed the No. 3 seed over New Orleans based on head-to-head victory. 1 2 New Orleans clinched the NFC South division over Carolina based on head-to-head sweep. 1 2 3 Detroit finished ahead of Dallas and Seattle based on conference record, while Seattle finished ahead of Dallas based on head-to-head victory. 1 2 Green Bay finished ahead of Washington based on record vs. common opponents. Green Bay's cumulative record against Dallas, Minnesota, New Orleans and Seattle was 2–3, compared to Washington's 1–4 cumulative record against the same four teams. 1 2 Tampa Bay finished ahead of Chicago based on head-to-head victory. ↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division. ||||||||||||