Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) looks on against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven’t tasted playoff football for going on nine years now. It’s a constant sore spot with fans who know this teams’ potential.

Then again do they really have a right to complain. Browns fans haven’t tasted it since 2002 and Bills fans? They’ve sat in this purgatory since before the new millennium in 1999. So yeah maybe it hasn’t been that bad. Nonetheless the growing sentiment is the Buccaneers are building something in the NFC South and might be ready to take a crack at the Falcons’ crown.

Marc Sessler of NFL.com ranked his teams that were most likely to finally end their postseason-less streak in 2017. The Titans and Jaguars came close due to their offseason improvements, but this win went to Tampa. He explained why.

“The Buccaneers are for real. If their weakness — the offensive line — can keep Jameis Winston in one piece, Tampa fans should be in for a rowdy campaign. First, the Bucs signed free-agent deep threat DeSean Jackson to pair with Pro Bowl wideout Mike Evans and productive pass catcher Adam Humphries. Then the Bucs watched O.J. Howard, the draft’s top tight end, fall into their lap with the 19th overall pick. He’ll pair nicely with Cameron Brate, who already gave the club a legitimate talent at the position. The Bucs are also raving about the re-emergence of Doug Martin, with general manager Jason Licht telling “Good Morning Football” that the running back has “looked as good as I have seen him.” With a defense that played well down the stretch, Tampa has a chance to be a special story in the NFC.”

Sure most of the focus will be on the offense. Having a franchise quarterback and Pro Bowl wide receiver makes that inevitable. At the same time it’s important not to overlook the defense. The Buccaneers have quietly built an intriguing unit from front to back. There’s Gerald McCoy and Noah Spence up front. Kwon Alexander and Lavontae David are a pair of highly underrated linebackers. Vernon Hargreaves and Brent Grimes should make for a solid corner tandem.

If the 2017 draft class is able to contribute in some fashion this year, then it’s hard to argue against Tampa Bay being the choice for breaking their hard luck streak.