Watch: Baker Mayfield finds Mike Evans with an excellent throw to extend Bucs lead

At halftime, Mayfield was18-of-23 for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Evans has six receptions, 76 yards and two touchdowns.

Mayfield's strong first half comes on the heels of his perfect game at Lambeau Field in Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers. In last week's 34-20 win, Mayfield went 22-of-28 for 381 yards and four touchdowns, posting a perfect 158.3 passer rating.

Tampa Bay was written off before the season following the departure of retired future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady. Mayfield had been, too, at the time Tampa Bay became his fourth NFL home in three seasons. That makes their union a match made in heaven.

The Bucs (barring a second-half collapse) are on the brink of matching their 2022 win total with two games remaining in the regular season. They will play the Saints (7-8) and Panthers (2-13) during the final two weeks of the campaign – two teams they've already beaten and will likely be favored by sportsbooks to do again.

Last year, Tampa Bay limped into the playoffs with a losing record and was dispatched in the wild-card round by the Cowboys. With Mayfield playing his best football of the season as the 2023 playoffs approach, the Bucs are a much bigger threat this year.