Perhaps you started a new Christmas Day tradition this year and hunkered down for six hours of NFL football. If so, and you happen to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, it was just pure entertainment, with no ramifications on the Buccaneers' playoff hopes. Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson were passing out pigskin gifts to their teammates in a pair of all-AFC matchups.
For the Buccaneers, the games that matter to their playoff hopes start on Thursday night, sort of, and build to a crescendo on Sunday evening. There is a scenario that could have Tampa Bay back in first place in the NFC South by the end of the weekend. Unfortunately, there is also a scenario that could lead to their elimination by Sunday night.
The Bucs have two remaining paths to the playoffs, though one carries a lot higher odds than the other. The first and preferred scenario is a fourth straight division title, which is pretty straightforward: The Buccaneers simply must win one more game than the Atlanta Falcons do over the next two weeks. Tampa Bay could also still grab the third Wild Card spot and seventh overall seed in the NFC if they win their last two games and the Washington Commanders lose their last two.
Complicating matters is where these two paths cross, and that's in Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland on Sunday night. The Falcons will visit that venue to take on the Commanders in Week 17…much more on that below.
There are only two games in Week 17 pitting NFC teams against AFC teams, and both of those NFC squads have long been out of the playoff pictures. That means a lot of games that won't matter much to the Buccaneers, but we'll run through them all anyway. Below are my suggestions for which teams besides the Buccaneers to root for from Thursday night through the Monday game in San Francisco, with the games presented in chronological order. This is your 2024 Week 17 Viewing Guide.
Already completed: Kansas City 29, Pittsburgh 10; Baltimore 31, Houston 2
The Chiefs locked up the top seed in the AFC with their lopsided win over the Steelers. The Ravens surely enjoyed watching Pittsburgh lose before taking care of business against Houston in even more dominating fashion. Baltimore just needs to beat the Browns next weekend to wrap up the AFC North, or have Pittsburgh lose a fourth straight game, this time to the visiting Bengals.
Seattle Seahawks (8-7) at Chicago Bears (4-11), Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
Seattle is the only other team in the NFC besides the Buccaneers that currently does not occupy a playoff spot but still could get in. The seven teams below them have already been eliminated. However, even with an identical record to Tampa Bay, the Seahawks are no threat to the Bucs' playoff chances. Yes, they could end up in a three-way tie with the Bucs and Commanders for the third Wild Card spot but they could not prevail in a tiebreaker. In that scenario, Tampa Bay would win with the best record against conference opponents of the three teams. So this game only matters to the Bucs if the Seahawks win it and then also take out the Rams in Week 18. If Seattle and the Bucs are both division winners at 10-7, Tampa Bay would move up into the third-overall seed due to that superior conference record. So that means we are actually rooting for the Seahawks in this one. Weird, I know.
Verdict: Go 'Hawks!
Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) at New England Patriots (3-12), Saturday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Denver Broncos (9-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-8), Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET
The first two games on Saturday are all-AFC games so they don't mean anything to the Buccaneers. The Bucs beat the Chargers and lost to the Broncos, but there aren't any scenarios in which the strength of victory (SOV) and strength of schedule (SOS) tiebreakers will come into play. (And they almost never do.) But after being deprived of NFL football for one entire day on Friday, we'll gladly sit down to watch these games anyway. And both L.A. and Denver can clinch playoff berths with wins, so they should be highly motivated.
Verdict: Go Saturday football! We love it.
Arizona Cardinals (7-8) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6), Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET
The final game on Saturday night has a bit more meaning to the Buccaneers. If you didn't read the explanation under the Seattle game above, please go back and do so, then come back to this point. Done? Good. A 10-7 Buccaneers would also have a seeding advantage over a 10-7 division-winning Rams, but that would require them losing this game on Saturday night. In that way, no matter who wins the potential winner-take-all Week 18 game for the NFC West in Week 18 would finish 10-7. (That's presuming a Seattle win this weekend.) So root for the Cardinals, who have nothing really to play for but hopefully will make Jonathan Gannon look good by fighting to the end.
Verdict: Go Cardinals!
View images of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' matchups throughout the years vs. the Carolina Panthers.
CHARLOTTE, NC- OCTOBER 27: Safety John Lynch #47 and Defensive end Greg Spires #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Running back Lamar Smith #26 of the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium on October 27, 2002 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Buccaneers won 12-9. (photo by Charles Sonnenblick/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - December 01, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. The Bucs won the game in overtime, 26-23. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC- OCTOBER 27: Running back Michael Pittman #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium on October 27, 2002 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Buccaneers won 12-9. (photo by Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC- OCTOBER 27: Defensive tackle Anthony McFarland #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to sack Quarterback Randy Fasani #12 of the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium on October 27, 2002 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Buccaneers won 12-9. (photo by Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC- OCTOBER 27: Cornerback Ronde Barber #20 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hits Quarterback Randy Fasani #12 of the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium on October 27, 2002 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Buccaneers won 12-9. (photo by Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - December 01, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 and Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. The Bucs won the game in overtime, 26-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 17: Fullback Mike Alstott #40 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on November 17, 2002 in Tampa, Florida. Buccaneers won 23-10. (photo by Charles Sonnenblick/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 17: Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on November 17, 2002 in Tampa, Florida. Buccaneers won 23-10. (photo by Charles Sonnenblick/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 17: Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the air against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on November 17, 2002 in Tampa, Florida. Buccaneers won 23-10. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL- NOVEMBER 17: Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the air with the ball against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on November 17, 2002 in Tampa, Florida. Buccaneers won 23-10. (photo by Rod Millington/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback Brad Johnson #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on September 14, 2003 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 9-12 (OT). (Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 14: Defensive tackle Warren Sapp #99 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in action against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on September 14, 2003 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 9-12 (OT). (Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
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CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 9: Cornerback Tim Wansley #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in action against the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium on November 9, 2003 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 24-27. (photo by Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 9: Defensive end Simeon Rice #97 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sacks Quarterback Jake Delhomme #17 of the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium on November 9, 2003 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 24-27. (photo by Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 9: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium on November 9, 2003 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 24-27. (photo by Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 9: Quarterback Brad Johnson #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium on November 9, 2003 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 24-27. (photo by Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 28: Running back Michael Pittman #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 28, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 14-21. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 28:Offensive tackle Chidi Ahanotu #95 and Defensive end Simeon Rice #97 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers move in to tackle against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 28, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 14-21. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 26: Wide receiver Michael Clayton #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches a touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 26, 2004 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 20-37. (photo by Charles Sonnenblick/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 6: Running back Carnell Williams #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball in a game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on November 6, 2005 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 34-14. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 8: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers at the Bank of America Stadium on December 8, 2008 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 38-23. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA; SEPTEMBER 19, 2010; Defensive End Tim Crowder #96 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers creates a sack and fumble during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers won 20-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2011, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 48-16. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Wide Receiver Sammie Stroughter #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2011, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 48-16. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 9: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on September 9, 2012, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 16-10. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 18: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 18, 2012, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers won 27-21 in overtime. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 18: Cornerback LeQuan Lewis #30 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 18, 2012, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers won 27-21 in overtime. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 18: Tackle Donald Penn #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 18, 2012, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers won 27-21 in overtime. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 18: Tight End Dallas Clark #44 and Wide Receiver Mike Williams #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 18, 2012, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers won 27-21 in overtime. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 24: Tackle Demar Dotson #69, Quarterback Mike Glennon #8 and Guard Davin Joseph #75 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 24, 2013, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 31-13. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 24: Running Back Mike James #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 24, 2013, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 31-13. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 7: Wide Receiver Chris Owusu #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on September 7, 2014, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 20-14. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 7: Running Back Bobby Rainey #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on September 7, 2014, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 20-14. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 7: Quarterback Josh McCown #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on September 7, 2014, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 20-14. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 4: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 4, 2015, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 37-23. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 4: Kicker Kyle Brindza #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicks a field goal during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 4, 2015, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 37-23. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 4: Kicker Kyle Brindza #2 and Punter Jacob Schum #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 4, 2015, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 37-23. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 4: Safety Chris Conte #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 4, 2015, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 37-23. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 4: Running Back Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 4, 2015, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 37-23. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Wide Receiver Adam Humphries #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Cornerback Brent Grimes #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defenses a pass during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Wide Receiver Freddie Martino #16 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 22-19. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93, Defensive Tackle Clinton McDonald #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 22-19. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 02, 2018 - Defensive End Vinny Curry #97 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 24-17. Photo By Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 02, 2018 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 celebrates after sacking QB Cam Newton #1 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 24-17. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 12, 2019 - Outside Linebacker Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 20-14. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 15, 2020 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 46-23. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 26, 2021 - Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 32-6. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - January 09, 2022 - Safety Andrew Adams #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers intercepts a pass during the game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 41-17. Photo By Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - January 09, 2022 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 41-17. Photo By Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - January 09, 2022 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #33, Safety Andrew Adams #26, and Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate during the game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 41-17. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09, 2022 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 41-17. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09, 2022 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 41-17. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 1: Defensive Tackle Mark Wheeler #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackles during a game against the Carolina Panthers at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 1995 in Clemson, South Carolina. The Buccaneers won 20-13. (photo by Marty Morrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 1: Defensive Tackle Mark Wheeler #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game against the Carolina Panthers at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 1995 in Clemson, South Carolina. The Buccaneers won 20-13. (photo by Marty Morrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 18: Defensive tackle Brad Culpepper #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackles quarterback Steve Beuerlein #7 of the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 18, 1998 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 16-13. (photo by Robert Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 18: Defensive tackle Warren Sapp #99 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sacks Quarterback Steve Beuelein #7 against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 18, 1998 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 16-13. (photo by Robbie Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 18: Quarterback Trent Dilfer #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 18, 1998 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 16-13. (photo by William Garrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 18: Cornerback Anthony Parker #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in action against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 18, 1998 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 16-13. (photo by William Garrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 18: Punter Tommy Barnhardt #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 18, 1998 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 16-13. (photo by William Garrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 18: Punter Tommy Barnhardt #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers punts against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 18, 1998 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 16-13. (photo by William Garrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - December 01, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. The Bucs won the game in overtime, 26-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC - December 01, 2024 - Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a field goal during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. The Bucs won the game in overtime, 26-23. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC - December 01, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. The Bucs won the game in overtime, 26-23. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC - December 01, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. The Bucs won the game in overtime, 26-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC - December 01, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. The Bucs won the game in overtime, 26-23. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC - December 01, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. The Bucs won the game in overtime, 26-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC - December 01, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. The Bucs won the game in overtime, 26-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New York Jets (4-11) at Buffalo Bills (12-3), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Tennessee Titans (3-12) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
These two early Sunday games have no bearing on the Bucs' hopes, and the second one listed above is definitely a stinker. All that matters to the Titans and Jaguars at this point is 2025 draft order, which will be contested by Mason Rudolph and Mac Jones. Pass. Personally, I was rooting for the Bills to take it down to the wire with the Chiefs for the number-one overall AFC seed, but when Kansas City beat Pittsburgh on Christmas it looked Buffalo into the number-two seed. Still, the Bills are certainly more fun that late-stage Aaron Rodgers, so I'll be rooting for Western New York and likely 2024 NFL MVP Josh Allen
Verdict: Go Josh!
Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) at New Orleans Saints (5-10), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
The Saints have been eliminated from the playoffs, so we don't absolutely have to root against them. In fact, we could be hoping for them to win their last two in order to end up with a worse draft spot. That is…well, that is just not enough for me. I'll be rooting for New Orleans to lose for the third straight week, hoping that possibly cuts into their motivation for Week 18. (It probably won't have any effect on their motivation, but I'm just looking for a reason to root against a division rival.)
Verdict: Go Raiders!
Indianapolis Colts (7-8) at New York Giants (2-13), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Indianapolis will know by kickoff if they have anything to play for in this game, because the Chargers and Broncos could wrap up their playoff spots and complete the AFC field on Saturday. The Giants currently sit in the top spot in the NFC draft order, which means some of New York fans will probably be rooting for another loss by their team. (I said "some," not "all," as I know there are fans who root for their team to win no matter what, and I respect it.) None of it matters to the Buccaneers.
Verdict: Go flip a coin on this one.
Dallas Cowboys (7-8) at Philadelphia Eagles (12-3), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
What is our motivation here? Revenge? The Bucs' loss in Dallas could end up as the season's turning point for Tampa Bay if the Falcons don't lose one of their next two. The Eagles are almost fully locked into the NFC's two seed; The Athletic gives them a 98% chance of winning the NFC East but only a 4% chance of getting the first-round bye. Plus, now Philadelphia is dealing with Jalen Hurts and the concussion he suffered last weekend. There's not much for us to go on here, but let's try this: Washington still has a very slim chance to capture the division crown, and that chance will evaporate if the Eagles win early on Sunday. We want a Commanders team that is as motivated as it can possibly get on Sunday night against Washington, so we should be rooting for an Eagles loss.
Verdict: Go America's Team! (Just this once.)
Miami Dolphins (7-8) at Cleveland Browns (3-12), Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Nothing to see here, and not the weekend's most compelling viewing. Moving on.
Verdict: Go find a different game to watch.
Green Bay Packers (11-4) at Minnesota Vikings (13-2), Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
This one really comes down to what you think of these teams and which one you would least like see come to Tampa in the first round if the Bucs manage to get that NFC South title. If Tampa Bay is the fourth seed, as is still the most likely outcome after winning the division, they are very likely to see one of the three NFC North teams that have already clinched playoffs spots. That could be either of these two teams or Detroit, though the most likely scenario is whoever doesn't win the division between the Lions and Vikings. I honestly don't know which team I fear the most, but it's worth noting that the Buccaneers have already beaten Detroit this season and the Lions have myriad injury woes. It sounds crazy, but maybe the Lions would be the most vulnerable matchup. I'm not sure I truly believe that, but if we need a reason to root for a team here, let's go with the Vikings so that the NFC North title remains up in the air heading into Week 18.
Verdict: I feel like we end up rooting for Minnesota every week for some reason or another, and here we are again, so I repeat: Skol!
Atlanta Falcons (8-7) at Washington Commanders (10-5), Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
This is the one that matters the most to the Buccaneers, of course. The clear and obvious rooting interest is for a Falcons loss, which would give Tampa Bay a chance to move back into first in the NFC South with a win over Carolina. In that scenario, the Bucs would once again control their own fate in the division and would just need to beat New Orleans in Week 18 to clinch the title. The more interesting (not necessarily in a great way) outcome would be a Falcons win on Sunday night. That would be bad for Tampa Bay, but it wouldn't end the division race entirely if the Bucs also win that day. It would keep their Wild Card possibilities alive, so that would be a silver lining to an unwanted result. But we'll worry about that scenario if and when it comes to pass. For now, we are fully on the Washington bandwagon.
Verdict: Go Commanders!
Detroit Lions (13-2) at San Francisco 49ers (6-9), Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
We decided to root for Minnesota above, so let's complete the picture and root for the Lions, too, which would set up a winner-take-all showdown between those two clubs in Detroit in Week 18. How much fun would that be! The 49ers have been eliminated, so there's no reason to worry about them one way or another.
Verdict: Go Lions!
