Once again, the NFC South title rests between the four teams involved, meaning Sunday's win is crucial for the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers heading into Week 17.
Baker Mayfield was up to the task.
Mayfield threw five touchdown passes, including two to reliable receiver Mike Evans, to lead the Bucs 48-14 over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield drops to make a pass during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. (Nathan Ray Seebeck Iman Images)
The Bucks are 9-7 on the season and will be eagerly watching Sunday Night Football as the Atlanta Falcons, who are behind them in the division at 8-7, will take on the Washington Commanders. It will probably happen.
Mayfield had days when it seemed like the ball could be anywhere for a receiver, and he got it there with pinpoint accuracy and strength.
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Evans capped off the first drive with a quick slant in the end zone and immediately followed with five touchdown passes, going 27-of-32 through the air for 359 yards and six points. Evans led the Bucs with eight catches for 97 yards.
But Mayfield also found rookie wideout Jalen McMillan for two second-half touchdowns, continuing to prove he can be trusted at quarterback in his first season on the job this late in the season. He had five catches for 51 yards and two scores.
And finally, Payne Durham, one of the tight ends filling in for the injured Cade Otton, got the win with one of his two catches of the day.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield throws the ball during the second half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. (Kim Clement Neitzel-Iman Images)
The Bucks couldn't get anyone on the ground, but Bucky Irving set the tone for the game with 113 yards on 20 carries.
The day also featured some special teams magic, as the Bucs blocked a Panthers punt and JJ Russell scooped it up and ran it back for a touchdown as part of Tampa Bay's 21-0 second-half victory over its division foe. It was done.
Bryce Young and the Panthers initially matched the Bucs' firepower to start the game, with Adam Thielen catching a touchdown pass on the opening drive to make it a 7-on-7 ball game. Thielen would get another score from Young later in the game as part of his five-catch, 110-yard practice of the day.
However, Tampa Bay's defense fought back in the second half and thwarted the Panthers' attempts to get back into the game.
Overall, Young completed 15 of 28 through the air for 203 yards, including two touchdowns to Thielen.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield drops back during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. (Kim Clement Neitzel-Iman Images)
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The Bucks enter Week 18 against a weakened New Orleans Saints, but with Atlanta defeating the Falcons in the season tiebreaker, I expect the Falcons to make up for the loss sometime in the next two weeks. I'm looking forward to it.
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