Bucs want to finish strong, despite only slim playoff hopes

Tampa Bay’s slender playoff prospects are not foremost on Jameis Winston’s mind heading into what’s likely to be his team’s season finale against the Carolina Panthers . What matters more to the young quarterback is the Buccaneers not only finish strong against the defending NFC champions, but play with a fervor that doesn’t reflect the disappointment of letting a potential postseason berth slip away.

Newton-led Panthers roll past Redskins

Cam Newton passed for 300 yards and two touchdowns, Jonathan Stewart rushed for 132 yards and the Carolina Panthers defeated the Washington Redskins 26-15 Monday night at FedEx Field. Newton completed 21 of 37 passes and tight end Greg Olsen had six catches for 85 yards for Carolina, which scored 10 points in the third quarter to go up by 14. Graham Gano kicked four field goals as the Panthers held on for its second straight win.

NFL: Washington dealt blow with loss to Panthers

Kirk Cousins threw an interception and fumbled near his goal line as Washington coughed up their easiest path to the playoffs with a 26-15 loss to the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers. Washington could have clinched a playoff berth by winning its final three games but now needs help.