 The Buccaneers fell to 7–8 on the season, and would need to win in week 17 to keep their playoff hopes alive.Tampa Bay clobbered Cincinnati 35–0, a franchise best for a road shutout.Mike Alstott scored three rushing touchdowns, and the Bucs defense intercepted the Bengals twice (including a 56-yard return by Ronde Barber)

Tampa Bay finished 8–8 on the season, winning four out of their last five games, and the end of the game, were still alive for an NFC wild card spot.