Skip Bayless breaks down Tom Brady’s “lame” reason for why he will be playing in meaningless Week 18 game against Falcons

Tom Brady has wrapped up a playoff spot and playing in Week 18 will only open him up to injury in the eyes of many. However, "No. 12" is set to be out on the field as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Atlanta Falcons.

Speaking on "Undisputed," veteran analyst Skip Bayless read what Tom Brady said was his reasoning and elaborated. Here's how he put it:

"So here's his quotes from the Let's Go podcast. He said, ‘I understand the context about the playoffs and the bye, but I don't think anything we do in football is meaningless. Everything is preparation for what's ahead... It matters because you're a professional.’"

Will the Buccaneers win with "TB12" lining up under center for one more regular-season game?

Bayless went onto call the reasoning "lame" and "cliche," saying:

"This is the classic lame cliche from Tom Brady, but you know what? He believes that with all his heart and soul because he's believed it since he was a little kid."

Lastly, he explained Brady's thinking process:

"'If you give me the opportunity to play football, I'm going to play football and I'm going to do it with all my might... It matters to me professionally and personally.'"

---

Buccaneers QB Tom Brady avoids missing playoffs

Tom Brady at Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Despite spending much of the season under .500, Tom Brady managed to make enough plays to get another glorified practice game in Week 18. Aside from missing 2008 due to injury, it would have been the first time he missed the playoffs since about 45 days after Xbox Live originally launched on Xbox in 2002.

That said, even if he wins, it will still be the first time he has finished a season with less than 10 wins for the first time since 2002, when he went 9-7. With one game left, Brady also has a chance to finish under .500 for the first time in his career, despite making the playoffs.

Many believe the 45-year old quarterback could have sat out the game against the Falcons and avoided a potential losing season, ending with a 8-8 starting record. However, he will be putting on the shoulder pads and looking to finish the year 9-8 at the risk of finishing 8-9.

Will Brady end the year on a warming streak?

---

If any of the above quotes are used, please credit Undisputed and H/T Sportskeeda.