"TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers held off the Carolina Panthers 16-14 to snap a four-game losing streak, setting up a thrilling Sunday, when the NFC South winner will be decided by what happens between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints. Quarterback Baker Mayfield had been on record saying he was not a Saints fan, but he told ESPN after the game, "I am tomorrow!""
"If the Saints defeat the Falcons Sunday, the Bucs would secure the division at 8-9. It would mark the first time a team has won five straight division titles since conference realignment in 2002, and would tie them for third most in league history for any division. A Falcons victory would give Carolina its first playoff berth since 2017 and first NFC South title since 2015."
"Biggest surprise: With wide receivers Mike Evans, Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan occupying so much attention from the Panthers' defense -- Godwin didn't have a single target through the first three quarters -- Mayfield relied heavily on tight end Cade Otton, who hauled in seven catches for 94 yards and an 18-yard touchdown. Otton's 20-yard grab with 2:12 to go also helped seal the win."
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 16-14 to end a four-game losing streak. The result leaves the NFC South title contingent on the Falcons-Saints outcome Sunday. If New Orleans beats Atlanta, Tampa Bay would secure the division at 8-9 and record five straight division titles, a first since 2002 realignment. A Falcons win would send Carolina to its first playoffs since 2017 and its first NFC South crown since 2015. Baker Mayfield expressed support for the Saints if needed. Tight end Cade Otton caught seven passes for 94 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown and a crucial 20-yard reception late.
Read at ESPN.com
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