If you are a Tampa Bay fan, I would not blame you if you wanted to take a week off from watching football, particularly after so many weeks of heart-wrenching Bucs games.
However, if you're that much of a football lover that you'll still be tuning in on Sunday, here is a handy dandy rooting guide for Tampa Bay fans in Week 9.
49ers vs Giants
Tampa Bay does have a win over the 49ers, so this game is not as important to Tampa, but it would still be helpful to see San Francisco lose, if for nothing else, to help Tampa Bay's seeding chances.
Vikings vs Lions
The Lions are half-a-game behind the Buccaneers in the standings, but hold the tiebreaker over Tampa due to a head-to-head victory. Tampa Bay will be rooting for the upset, although it will be a tall order for J.J. McCarthy in his third career start.
Patriots vs Falcons
This one is easy. Root for New England to defeat the Falcons and bury them further in the NFC South. At 3-4, a loss would put Atlanta three games behind Tampa Bay, and the Buccaneers have the tiebreaker.
Packers vs Panthers
If the Packers win, they gain another game on Tampa Bay in the battle for the NFC's No. 1 seed. If the Panthers win, they'd be 5-4, and officially within striking distance of the Buccaneers in the NFC South.
This is a tough call, but ultimately, the Buccaneers need to trust they can take care of business against the Panthers when they square off in Weeks 16 and 18. Tampa Bay does not have a chance to play Green Bay, and if they'll need the Packers to lose at least one more game to claim the NFC's top seed. Tampa Bay should root for the Panthers in this one.
Rams vs Saints
Again, it feels weird to root for a division rival, but the Bucs fans should root for New Orleans here. The Rams are currently 5-2, and a win would tie them with Tampa Bay at 6-2. Tampa Bay would love the No. 1 seed, and the Rams losing will help them get there.
Commanders vs Seahawks
Tampa Bay does have the tiebreaker over Seattle, and the Commanders are a scary team if they get going. This is a rare case where Bucs fans should root for the better team to win. Seattle can bury the Commanders, which would be helpful for Tampa Bay's playoff chances. If the Commanders get hot in the postseason, they are scary.
Cowboys vs Cardinals
Similar to Washington, Dallas has a scary offense, and if the Cowboys sneak into the postseason, they would not be fun to play against. Root for the Cardinals here, to upset Dallas on Monday night.