In a bizarre scenario, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers will be banking their playoff hopes on a pair of division rivals following the Bucs’ 16-14 win over Carolina.
The Bucs needed to win to stay alive in the race for the NFC South division, while Carolina would have broken a ten-year playoff drought had they beaten Tampa Bay.
Watch an average 6 games per week and every game of the NFL Postseason, LIVE with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Now, the division comes down to one game.
The Buccaneers (8-9) need New Orleans (6-10) to beat or tie Atlanta (7-9) on Sunday to clinch a fifth straight NFC South title.
If the Falcons win, the Panthers (8-9) will secure their first division championship since coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Cam Newton led them to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance 10 years ago.
The Buccaneers hold a two-team tie-breaker over the Panthers. But Carolina holds the three-team tie-breaker over Tampa Bay if Atlanta also finishes 8-9.
“I never thought I’d see a day where I’m rooting for the Saints,” Bucs veteran linebacker Lavonte David said.
Before the Bucs faced New Orleans in October, QB Baker Mayfield accused the Saints of dirty play and said: “I do not like them.”
Now, Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes hinge on the Saints beating the Falcons on the road on Sunday.
“A tie still gets us in,” Mayfield said with a smirk.
Mayfield was solid in the win, throwing for 203 yards and a touchdown with tight end Cade Otton reeling in seven catches for 94 yards and a touchdown.
The Bucs were in control for much of the game before the Panthers scored a touchdown with just over two minutes left to trim the margin to two.
However, it was too little too late as the Bucs were able to hold on to record their victory of the season.
Discussion about this post