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5 Opponents the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Need to Beat in 2015

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5 Opponents the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Need to Beat in 2015

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fans
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended the 2014 season tied for the worst record in the NFL (2-14). Injuries and inconsistent play led to this disastrous season that they will look to turn around next season. Perhaps drafting Marcus Mariota is the answer they're looking for. They happen to be in arguable the weakest division in the league, so anything is possible in 2015. But they will need to beat these five teams in order to have a chance.

5. New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5. New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints surprisingly struggled quite a bit in 2014, missing the playoffs for only the second time in the last six years. I believe they will be on a mission to regain their elite status next season, so will be tough to beat. If the Bucs can get a division win against the Saints in 2015, it would make a huge statement for this organization, and give them momentum down the stretch.

4. Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan Atlanta Falcons
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4. Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan Atlanta Falcons
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The Falcons seem to be on a bit of a downfall. They ended the season with a 6-10 record and missed the playoffs for the second straight year. Tampa Bay played them well in both matchups last year, showing they are definitely capable of taking them down. Maybe this is the year that it happens. I will make a bold prediction and say the Bucs will sweep the Falcons in 2015.

4. Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins
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4. Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins
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This will be an NFC matchup in which the Bucs need to come out on top. They will play all of the NFC East this season, and if they can't beat the weakest team in that division, then they don't have much hope. Getting this win on the road would be big.

2. Chicago Bears

Cutler and Forte Chicago Bears
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2. Chicago Bears

Cutler and ForteChicago Bears
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The Bears have gone through some adversity lately, ending the 2014 season on a rough note. They will experience plenty of roster moves as well as a new coaching staff. The Buccaneers need to take advantage of their weaknesses at home and get the win.

1. Carolina Panthers

Jonathan Stewart Carolina Panthers
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1. Carolina Panthers

Jonathan Stewart Carolina Panthers
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The Panthers won the division title in 2014 but did it with a losing record. That doesn't say much for the rest of the teams in the NFC South. If Tampa Bay is looking to turn the page in 2015, they will need to beat the division champions. If not twice, then at least once to even up the head-to-head matchups and have a chance at success in 2015.

Julie Swartz is a writer for RantSports.
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