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The Bucs won't rest starters, will play to win


LinvilleGorge
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It only makes sense.  There are still three teams who could finish at 13-4, potentially going down to tiebreakers as the first seed.

Likewise, seeding is still up for grabs among four teams that could finish 12-5 potentially as seeds 2-5.

NFC Playoff picture is fairly clear as to who the participants are, but seeding is still very much a question.

Good.  That's what we want.  I don't want to win a meaningless game.

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1 minute ago, BrianS said:

It only makes sense.  There are still three teams who could finish at 13-4, potentially going down to tiebreakers as the first seed.

Likewise, seeding is still up for grabs among four teams that could finish 12-5 potentially as seeds 2-5.

NFC Playoff picture is fairly clear as to who the participants are, but seeding is still very much a question.

Good.  That's what we want.  I don't want to win a meaningless game.

You're kind of right. The Packers have officially clinched the 1 seed and most importantly the only bye in the NFC. We've seen coaches in the past rest starters even when seeding is up for grabs when the division isn't on the line and playoff byes aren't on the line. I didn't expect the Bucs to sit starters since that's not Arians' or Brady's MO, but they really are only playing for seeds 2-4 which some coaches may not see as mattering at all and not worth adding injuries to their already injured group. If a bye was up for grabs 100% you play for that, but there is a point where the potential benefits outweigh the injury risks, especially for a team like the Bucs who are already hurting all throughout their lineup.

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They NEED to win!  Yes the Packers have the bye and home field locked up, but they want that 2nd seed. They want home field until NFC Championship game, and probably need it without Godwin and AB, while also having a depleted secondary. Also, as the 2nd seed they would get home field in NFC championship if somebody beats the Packers. They definitely don't want the 4th seed and travel to the Packers early

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