Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers were at home in Week 17 to face the Panthers. Tampa Bay still needed a win to keep its playoff chances alive in 2024. The Bucs more than got the job done in a 48-14 win over Carolina. Mayfield threw for 359 passing yards and five touchdowns.
The team is currently 9-7 in 2024 and controls their fate until Week 18. A win against the Saints next week would secure the division for the Buccaneers in 2024. It would be the fourth straight season that Tampa Bay has won. Division and fifth straight playoff appearance. Despite some rough patches in 2024, the Bucs are a team worthy of making the playoffs this season.
Tampa Bay will win the NFC South with a Week 18 win.
that #bugs Control your own destiny… https://t.co/oaCdNnrNFk
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 30, 2024
Through their first six games of the 2024 season, the Buccaneers are 4-2. However, the team was eliminated in four consecutive games and was heading into the bye week with 4 wins and 6 losses. Baker Mayfield and the Bucs have won five of their last six games and are 9-7 heading into Week 18. Their only loss in the last six games was a 26-24 loss to the Cowboys. Tampa Bay’s second half of the season was underwhelming. They are holding their opponents to (16.3) points per game during that span.
Additionally, starting QB Baker Mayfield is having the best season of his professional career. His 4,279 passing yards and 39 passing touchdowns are both career highs with one game remaining. On Sunday in Week 18, the Bucs are at home to take on the Saints. They beat New Orleans 51-27 earlier this season. Mayfield had 325 passing yards and four passing touchdowns. Tampa Bay defeated the Saints in Week 6 and will look to do the same in Week 18. A win for Tampa Bay would clinch a playoff spot and the NFC South division title. Mike Evans needs 85 receiving yards in Week 18 to make it his 11th consecutive season with 1,000+. Baker Mayfield is expected to play football in the Pro Bowl.
