Dolphins edge rusher Bradley Chubb sacks Baker Mayfield during the first quarter of Week 17. Julio Aguilar / Getty Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost 20-17 to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, setting up a potential win-or-go-home scenario in Week 18. The Bucs (7-9) need to win the NFC South to make the playoffs, and they are currently one game behind the Carolina Panthers (8-8). The Buccaneers would have been eliminated from playoff contention if the Panthers had defeated the Seahawks on Sunday, but Carolina lost 27-10.

Sunday’s losses by the Bucs and Panthers leaves both teams’ playoff hopes hanging by a thread. The Bucs host the Panthers next week. If the Panthers win, they clinch the division — but the same isn’t necessarily true in a reverse scenario. If the Bucs win, the Panthers could still win the division and make the playoffs, if the Atlanta Falcons get to 8-9 (wins against the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints). If the Falcons lose either of those games, and the Panthers lose to the Buccaneers, Tampa Bay wins the division and makes the playoffs.

Dolphins rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers was impressive in his second start since Tua Tagovailoa’s benching. Ewers completed his first career touchdown pass with a throw to fellow rookie and undrafted free agent Theo Wease Jr. that resulted in a 63-yard score in the first quarter. Ewers looked confident with several deep completions, and the Dolphins’ run game was a good complement, out-rushing the Bucs 145 yards to 53.

Ewers finished the day 14-of-22 passing for 172 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Running back De’Von Achane again led Miami on the ground with 18 carries for 83 yards.

The Dolphins’ defense forced three turnovers, intercepting quarterback Baker Mayfield twice and recovering a Mayfield strip sack in the fourth quarter. Mayfield ended the day 33-of-44 passing for 346 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Buccaneers’ season has spiraled since their 6-2 start. They have lost four straight games and seven of their last nine. Mayfield tried to his best to reignite his early-season heroics by bringing the game within a field goal with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Mike Evans with one minute left. But the Bucs’ onside kick attempt was unsuccessful, and the Dolphins were able to run out the clock to seal their first win since Dec. 7.

Jayna Bardahl is a staff writer for The Athletic. She has worked as an editor and reporter covering Big Ten football and men's basketball, and was an intern at The Boston Globe, where she covered the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. Follow Jayna on Twitter @Jaynabardahl