Bucs survive Panthers but playoff fate not theirs

NFC South champ to finish with losing record

Tampa must rely on Saints despite bitter rivalry

The winner of the NFC South will have a losing record and be crowned at home watching on television.

Baker Mayfield threw a touchdown pass to Cade Otton, Chase McLaughlin kicked three field goals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers avoided elimination with a sloppy 16-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers on a rain-soaked Saturday.