Baker Mayfield's 5 touchdowns keep Bucs' playoff hopes alive in win over Panthers

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Once again, the NFC South division title is going to come down to the wire for the four teams involved, meaning a win for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – the leaders entering Week 17 – was crucial on Sunday. 

Baker Mayfield was up to the task. 

Mayfield delivered five touchdown passes, including two to trusty receiver Mike Evans, to lead the Bucs over the Carolina Panthers, 48-14, at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday. 

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

The Bucs improved to 9-7 on the season, and they will be watching "Sunday Night Football" intently as the Atlanta Falcons, who sit behind them in the division at 8-7, are on the road against the Washington Commanders. 

Mayfield was having one of those days when it seemed no matter where the ball needed to be for his receivers, he got it there with pinpoint accuracy and strength. 

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He was 27-of-32 through the air for 359 yards with his five touchdown passes that began immediately when Evans capped the opening drive with a quick slant in the end zone for six points. Evans had eight catches for 97 yards to lead the Bucs through the air. 

But Mayfield also found rookie wideout Jalen McMillan for two second-half touchdowns, as he continues to prove in this back half of the season that his quarterback can trust him in his inaugural season. He had five catches for 51 yards with the two scores.

And finally, Payne Durham, one