TAMPA, Fla. -- Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves in the uncomfortable position of rooting for the New Orleans Saints. The Carolina Panthers are pulling for the Atlanta Falcons.
The winner of the NFC South will have a losing record and be crowned at home watching on television.
Mayfield threw a touchdown pass to Cade Otton, Chase McLaughlin kicked three field goals and the Buccaneers avoided elimination with a sloppy 16-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers on a rain-soaked Saturday.
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 tiebreaker over the Panthers. But Carolina holds the three-team tiebreaker 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, 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.
Bucs coach Todd Bowles plans to watch the game at home. Mayfield said some players might have a watch party.
"I think we'll all be on the edge of our seats," Panthers coach Dave Canales said. "Hoping for the Falcons to come through, but at the same time, at least we have that hope to look at. We have to look at ourselves and we have to make sure that in these championship moments that we play our best."
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press
The playoffs are almost here and you won't want to miss a moment. Now you don't have to! With NFL+ Premium, watch every playoff game live on mobile, get NFL RedZone during the regular season, stream game replays, and more! And for a limited time, get 40% off an NFL+ annual plan. Offer ends 2/16/26. Sign up today!
