Why Cam Newton Believes Buccaneers Can Compete for the Super Bowl
After a red-hot 5–1 start to the season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have cooled down quite a bit, dropping three of their last four games. Despite the recent struggles, the Buccaneers still hold first place in the NFC South at 6–4.
While some are beginning to write the Buccaneers off as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, former NFL quarterback Cam Newton still believes this team has the potential to go all the way.
ESPN’s Newton is a believer in Baker Mayfield. Newton said,
Newton expanded on his point, saying, “He’s still performing at a high level with the opportunity he’s been given. Now, when you say ‘Super Bowl contenders,’ I’m putting Baker Mayfield in the position to say: can he compete with Philly, can he compete with Detroit, can he compete with the Los Angeles Rams, can he compete with Seattle? Yes — because of Baker Mayfield and what I’ve seen more times than not this year.”
GettyBaker Mayfield runs for the touchdown in last week’s loss at Buffalo.
Baker Mayfield’s MVP Hopes Still Alive
In the beginning of the season, Mayfield was one of the top candidates for the MVP award. Since the Buccaneers recent losses, the Mayfield MVP buzz has died down. It is important to note Tampa Bay has been without several key offensive players due to injuries: running back Bucky Irving has been out since Week 4, wide receiver Chris Godwin since Week 5, and Mike Evans since Week 7.
Despite those key injuries Mayfield has still been able to throw for 2,365 passing yards and 17 touchdowns through ten games heading into Week 12 of the NFL season.
Nick Shook of NFL.com has Mayfield placed at 4th overall in his QB rankings heading into Week 12 of the NFL season. Only behind Matthew Stafford, Drake Maye, and Josh Allen.
“Baker Mayfield has proven he’s a streaky quarterback. That isn’t criticism — it’s simply an acknowledgement of reality. And in fairness to Baker, this season has been especially challenging for the signal-caller after losing his top weapons to injury. It would be nice if he could get Bucky Irving or Chris Godwin back soon”, wrote Shook.
With the Buccaneers taking on the 8–2 Los Angeles Rams this Sunday, if Mayfield can carry the team to an impressive victory, there’s still an outside chance he could make a run for MVP, with plenty of regular-season football left to play.
GettyIt is still possible for Baker Mayfield to make a run for MVP.
Why This Sunday Matters
The Buccaneers enter this week desperate for a win. At 6–4, a victory on Sunday night is crucial for both confidence and playoff positioning. First off, a win against a top team in the league would be a great confidence booster for Tampa Bay, but the division lead is also on the line, with the Carolina Panthers going into Week 12 at 6-5. With a Carolina win and Tampa Bay loss this Sunday, the Buccaneers would all the sudden be on the outside looking in for the NFC South division title.
If the Buccaneers leave Los Angeles with a win, that could be the victory this team has been searching for these past few weeks to turn this season back around in their favor.
NFL Announces Punishment for Lions WR Jameson Williams
The Detroit Lions came close to pulling off a road win against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday night, but lost the game 16-9.
Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams scored his team's only touchdown of the game, but the way he celebrated ended up changing the course of the game — and left him vulnerable to punishment from the NFL after the fact.
Trailing 6-0 in the second quarter, Williams tied the game by catching a 40-yard touchdown pass from Lions quarterback Jared Goff. He immediately ran to the back of the end zone and jumped on the goal post, a touchdown celebration that was flagged for a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
The penalty was enforced on the point after try, which kicker Jake Bates failed to convert from 48 yards away. The score remained 6-6 and the Eagles capitalized on the swing in momentum, putting together a 10-play drive that ended in a Jalen Hurts rushing touchdown to put Philadelphia ahead 13-6 at halftime.
Besides being costly in the game sequence, Williams' decision cost him some cash. On Saturday, the NFL announced that Williams was fined $14,491 for use of a prop, in reference to jumping on the goal post.
Jameson Williams got penalized for this TD celebration.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 17, 2025
It would prove to be costly as Detroit would miss the XP.pic.twitter.com/jC3t11qn0a
Williams said he did not know his action would be flagged, but that he apologized to his teammates and coaches afterward.
"They told me it wasn't my fault, but I felt like it as my fault in the moment," Williams said. "We've just got to make plays and be smarter."
Jameson Williams admits to not knowing TD
Celebration was a penalty
—Have to be smarter pic.twitter.com/50KxUlTNWf — DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) November 20, 2025
Williams has racked up several fines in the past. This was his second of the 2025 season, following a $11,593 punishment for taunting in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers. Williams was fined four times for $70,346 during the 2024 season, including twice for touchdown celebrations.
On-field, safety-related decisions are released by the league on its gameday accountability page each week. Per NFL guidelines, players are notified of violations and may appeal any ruling. The fines collected are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation and the NFL Foundation.
Williams and the Lions will look to bounce back against the New York Giants at home on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Four days later, they will host the Packers for their traditional Thanksgiving Day game at Ford Field at 1 p.m. Both games will air on FOX.
