The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) defeated the Carolina Panthers (4-12) 48-14 on Sunday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers now remain very much in the NFC South race and have secured a winning season.
Baker Mayfield threw for five touchdown passes - two to Mike Evans, two to Jalen McMillan and one to Payne Durham. Bucky Irving ran for 113 yards and grabbed 77 yards in the air for 190 yards from scrimmage - Mike Evans added 97 yards receiving.
The Buccaneers took control of this game on a blocked punt return for a touchdown when Joe Tryon-Shoyinka blocked a Carolina which JJ Russell scooped and scored for a touchdown with 5:23 to go in the third quarter.
The Buccaneers will get a clearer picture of their playoff chances after the Washington-Atlanta game on Sunday Night Football and will host the Saints in the regular season finale next weekend.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES