CHILLIN’ WITH WINSTON

Jameis Winston made a case to keep his job with his best outing of the season on Sunday.

That it came against lowly San Francisco probably doesn’t matter much to a Tampa Bay franchise that has been flip-flopping between Winston, it’s former No. 1 overall draft selection, and inconsistent journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick all year.

Winston threw for 312 yards, including two touchdown passes, and was not intercepted for the first time in his six appearances. He also did not fumble. It’s a performance to build on, especially when combined with his decent work last week in a 38-35 loss to the New York Giants.

Fitzpatrick has had some huge moments, especially to start the year when Winston was suspended, and the Bucs have to pay Winston his full salary next season if he gets hurt down the stretch, but that doesn’t appear to be scaring them off. He might finally have the job for good.

QUICK HITS

Rob Gronkowski caught his first touchdown pass since Week 1 late in the first quarter of New Englands win ... ESPN reported on Sunday that “there is optimism” that quarterback

Alex Smith might one day be able to return to football despite the horrible leg injury he suffered last week ... Some of the key inactive players in the NFL on Sunday: Pierre Garcon, Alfred Morris, Sam Darnold, A.J. Green,

Marcell Dareus, Joe Flacco and Alex

Collins ... According to Profootballtalk. com, some Baltimore players believe that head coach John Harbaugh will be out unless the team makes the playoffs. The Ravens crushed Oakland 34-17 on Sunday thanks to a big second half. Harbaugh has led Baltimore to three AFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl win in his 11 years there, but the club has been around .500 (or worse) in each of the past four seasons.