What’s Smart Prediction for Buccaneers' Record?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to surprise a lot of people and beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round of the playoffs this past season. They will be looking to have that same success this season.

In a recent article by Will Brinson of CBS Sports , he predicts every NFL team's record at the end of the regular season. For the reigning NFC South champions, he predicts they will finish with a 9-8 record, just as they did last season.

"Everyone counted out the Bucs in a BAD way last year and Baker Mayfield and Co. jammed it in everyone's face. I'm extremely terrified of it happening again with this projection, and I wouldn't be shocked at all if Tampa won the division again," Brinson writes. "It could even win it at 9-8, so maybe I'm not that far off. Regardless, no one will run away with the NFC South."

The Bucs surprised a lot of people last season because it was Baker Mayfield's first season with the team, and he exceeded expectations.

Related: Buccaneers Fall to Jaguars in Preseason Week 2 as Backup QBs Struggle

Now, he has a year under his belt with his weapons, which will help in terms of team chemistry. The Bucs also improved their offensive line and their WR3 through the draft, so they have plenty of young talent.

So just 9-8? Is that a smart prediction?

People are going to be doubting the team yet again this season as a result of the emergence of the Atlanta Falcons as a threat, so the Bucs are in great position to shock fans yet again.