New Delhi, Jan. 4 -- TAMPA, Fla. - In a scene that defied all conventional wisdom about championship pursuits, Baker Mayfield stood on the rain-drenched turf of Raymond James Stadium Saturday night, his uniform splattered with mud, celebrating a victory that paradoxically left his team's fate in the hands of their most despised division rival.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers outlasted the Carolina Panthers 16-14 in a sloppy, weather-marred contest that had all the drama of a playoff game but none of the immediate gratification. Instead of champagne and confetti, Mayfield and his teammates now face an agonizing wait, their playoff hopes hanging on whether the New Orleans Saints can defeat the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

"I do tomorrow," Mayfield...