Why Buccaneers' 'main focus' is an odd aspect of Week 18

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Why Buccaneers' 'main focus' is an odd aspect of Week 18 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are about to play in Week 18, and it is going to be a rather interesting experience.

Given the state of the NFC South, even if the Buccaneers beat the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, if the Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Baker Mayfield's team would miss the playoffs.

So, it is going to be an interesting approach for the Buccaneers, but it is all moot if they don't win on Saturday.

And for Baker, that's where everyone's mind is.

“For us to get in the playoffs, first and foremost, we have to win on Saturday,” Baker said. “So, that's the main focus, can't control what happens on the game Sunday, but we can control how Saturday goes, how we prepare, how we come into it.”

More:Why Buccaneers' locker room mentality is being put to the ultimate test in Week 18 | Sporting News

Buccaneers desperately need win vs. Panthers

That is stating the obvious I know, but everything is on the line against Carolina.

The Buccaneers have to win. There's no other way to put it.

And for a team that has lost seven of its last eight games, winning isn't exactly the easiest thing for Todd Bowles' team to do right now.

But if they want a playoff spot, they are going to have to, and hope the New Orleans Saints beat the Falcons, because if they can't, it will be the Panthers who will be division champs via a series of time-breakers.

It all comes down to one game for Mayfield and his team.

And it's one they simply have to win.