Raiders (4-11) at Bucs (9-6)
Week 17
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
TV: WTSP Channel 10, DirecTV 708.
Radio: Buccaneers Radio Network (in Tampa WFUS-FM, 103.5 and WDAE-AM, 620); Sirius Channel 130.
Weather: Per AccuWeather.com, the game will be played in perfect Florida weather. Temperature at kickoff is forecast for 81 under partly sunny skies with minimal or no wind. At the end of the game temperature is expected to drop to only 78.
Odds: Per Bodog.com, Bucs -13.
Outlook: Simply put, this really is a must-win game. If the Bucs don’t win, the season is all over.

With the Bucs’ defense playing less than Bucs-like, it will be imperitive to somehow slow down Raiders running back Justin Fargas who, like last year, is finishing the season strong.

While the Raiders are coming off a strong win over Houston last week, Joe just can’t believe with everything on the line the Bucs won’t find a way to win. Then, Bucs fans have to turn into Eagles fans for a 4 p.m. game against Dallass. No matter if the Bucs win, if Dallass wins the Bucs are done.

How distasteful must it be that the Bucs fans find themselves in a situation where they actually have to root for the Eagles? Joe will need plenty of alcohol. Come to think of it, Joe has a freshly cracked bottle of Jameson available.

One way or another, Joe may need it.

Joe again requests WSTP management to somehow mix in the talents of Heather Van Nest and Tammie Fields on its pregame or postgame show.