Can the Buccaneers still make the playoffs? Where Todd Bowles and Co. stand after Tampa Bay's loss vs. Cowboys 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' chances of making the playoffs were negatively impacted by their Week 16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. They also missed an opportunity to get one step closer to winning another NFC South crown as they lost to Dallas 26-24 in primetime.

In addition to ending Tampa Bay's four-game winning streak, the defeat removed the team from the playoff picture and put them in a position where they would need assistance from other teams to return.

There is still plenty to compete for in the final two weeks of the regular season, so the Buccaneers' season is not yet finished.

Buccaneers playoff scenarios after going 8-7

Even after the loss to the Cowboys, the Buccaneers still have a good chance of making the playoffs. However, they're not solely in control of their own fate as they will need help from other clubs in order to guarantee a postseason berth.

To win the division and regain their postseason hopes, Tampa Bay needs to figure out a way to finish higher in the standings than the Atlanta Falcons, who currently have the head-to-head tiebreaker lead over the Bucs.

The Falcons will have to lose at least one of their remaining games while the Bucs must win their final two games. This scenario would effectively give Tampa Bay the NFC South championship and a postseason berth, with the Falcons at 9-8 and the Buccaneers at 10-7.

Winning the NFC South is, of course, the Bucs' simplest route to the postseason. However, they still have a chance to make the playoffs even if the Falcons win the division.

The Buccaneers own tiebreaker edges over the Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Rams (conference record), two sides currently occupying places in the NFC playoff picture. The Bucs would get a Wild Card spot in the postseason if they win their next two games and Los Angeles and Washington lose their next two games.

Sportkeeda's Playoff Predictor

Going by Sportkeeda's Playoff Predictor's prediction, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will lose each of their last two remaining games and finish two spots below the final Wild Card position in the NFC. The prediction also tips the Atlanta Falcons to win the NFC South over Tampa Bay.

Sportkeeda's Playoff Predictor

Tampa Bay finish their season with games against the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints. Both games will be played at home for the Bucs at Raymond James Stadium.

Do you think Baker Mayfield and Co. will manage to make the playoffs this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.