The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished out their 2012 season this past Sunday with a 22-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, putting their overall record for the season at a surprising 7-9.

Under the direction of new head coach Greg Schiano, the Bucs missed the playoffs, but surprised many with an often-tumultuous season much improved from their previous 4-12 record under former head coach Raheem Morris.

This record will give the Bucs the 13th overall draft pick in the upcoming NFL draft in April.  Despite finishing out with the same record as two other teams in the NFC South - the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers - the Bucs still technically placed last in the division due to the league's tie-breaking rules.

This means the Bucs will likely play more teams that finished last in their divisions next season including the Detroit Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles as opposed to top performers like the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants.

This could prove fruitful for the organization, though, as a stellar draft pick and an easy assortment of opponents could make for a winning combination next year.

According to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, the Buccaneers will play at home against teams including the Panthers, Saints, Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and the Eagles.

Their away games will include matches against the Panthers, Saints, Falcons, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Detroit Lions.

We'll keep you posted as more news arises regarding our Tampa Bay Buccaneers.