Mayfield and Bucs beat Panthers and hope to win NFC South title

AP News•January 4, 2026•sports

Key Points:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 16-14 to avoid elimination, relying on a touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield and three field goals from Chase McLaughlin in a rain-soaked game.
Tampa Bay (8-9) needs the New Orleans Saints (6-10) to beat or tie the Atlanta Falcons (7-9) to clinch a fifth consecutive NFC South title; if the Falcons win, the Panthers (8-9) will secure the division.
The NFC South division winner will have a losing record, highlighting the competitiveness and parity within the division this season.
Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David expressed surprise at rooting for the Saints, a team Mayfield previously criticized, showing how