The Atlanta Falcons are still alive in the NFC South race, but they can’t go anywhere unless the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose to the Carolina Panthers in Week 18.
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is dealing with a rib injury but the former No. 1 overall pick was a full participant at Friday’s practice. Mayfield was officially listed as questionable on Tampa Bay’s injury report and appears on track to start on Sunday.
Baker Mayfield on track to start for the #Buccaneers. https://t.co/HF5AtApEYK
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 5, 2024
Tampa Bay has a better chance to win with Mayfield under center, however, he may not be as effective with a rib injury. The Panthers are just 2-14 on the season but they have no incentive to tank in Week 18 since the Chicago Bears already own their first-round pick this year.
As for the Falcons, they could be without starting quarterback Taylor Henicke, who also was listed as questionable going into Sunday’s season finale against the New Orleans Saints.
If the Buccaneers do lose to the Panthers in Week 18, the winner of Sunday’s Falcons-Saints game wins the NFC South. Both division matchups kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET.
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