They were also part of NFL history, with star wide receiver Mike Evans clearing 1,000 receiving yards on the season, extending his record for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start a career, and joining Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the only players to ever achieve that feat in 11 straight years.

Everyone knew what was at stake. Everyone knew how close history was to being made. In Tampa Bay, it wasn't a matter of if, but when. And that when was Sunday

For a while it looked like it would not happen but in the final seconds of the Tampa Bay’ 27-19 win over the New Orleans Saints – not only did the Buccaneers clinch playoff berth but NFL history was made.

The NFC South race seemed to be over long before Sunday when the Falcons lost in overtime at Washington in Week 17. The Buccaneers were facing the sad-sack Saints, who had lost their previous two games by a combined 59-10 score. Once the Buccaneers won, they'd be on their way to the playoffs.

The road to the Super Bowl in the NFC will go through Motown. The Detroit Lions secured a No. 1 seed with a 31-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinched the NFC South and the Washington Commanders locked up the NFC’s No. 6 seed. A 27-19 comeback victory over New Orleans for Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans and the Buccaneers secured the NFC’s final playoff spot.

Bucky Irving has been nothing short of magnificent this season, and our expert NFL predictions expect his magnificence to continue against the Saints.