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.”
