The Saints season is over, and it's probably a really good thing that it is. They predictably faltered after capturing a surprising halftime lead, losing 27-19 to the Bucs and giving the NFC South for the fourth straight year.

Week 18 provided its annual reminder that the motivations of professional football players need not be dissected. It does not matter if a loss means their team will draft first or a victory means their season will survive. If they are on the field, they will try to win. Here is what to know from the final day of the regular season:

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 Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host a playoff game during Wild Card Weekend. Tickets are available for as little as $101.