Buccaneers lead, but Panthers surge and Saints eye division disruption. The NFC South race ignites as every game now decides playoff fate.
NFC South Standings: Week 11
The NFC South remains tight despite a few recent shifts.
With the Buccaneers taking a loss on Sunday and the Panthers edging out the Falcons, the race is still wide open.
The Saints have been idle since November 9th due to their bye-week, yet the path forward offers some interesting possibilities.
Although the Saints sit with just two wins, their upcoming head to head NFC matchups and small margin in the south standings continue keep momentum high.
#1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are now at six wins and four losses after falling to the Bills by a score of 44-32. They still lead the division, but the loss definitely leaves the door open for challenges.
With the offense performing but the defense struggling to contain explosive plays, the Bucs will need to tighten up if they want to stay at the top of the south.
#2: Carolina Panthers (6-5)
The Carolina Panthers have surged into second place with six wins and five losses after a close victory over the Falcons, 30-27.
Riding the momentum of back to back wins, Carolina sits just behind the Buccaneers and has a critical matchup on the horizon.
If Tampa Bay slips, it may be their move to the top of the standings.
#3: Atlanta Falcons (3-7)
The Atlanta Falcons are now three and seven after suffering a very close loss to the Panthers over the weekend.
Atlanta's playoff hopes are dim with a losing record, but division matchups still carry significance.
The Falcons will face the Saints on November 23rd, and a loss would further cement their decline.
#4: New Orleans Saints (2-8)
The New Orleans Saints sit at two wins and eight losses, but their situation is more dynamic than it appears.
They haven’t taken the field since November 9th due to their bye week, yet their win over the Panthers earlier this month might turn into a key swing in the standings.
With Carolina beating Atlanta afterward their loss to the Saints, the Saints now hold the blueprint.
If they can build on that momentum from beating Carolina, and seize the rematch opportunities ahead, it could change how this season is remembered. A win against Atlanta on November 23rd would not only add to their tally but also tighten the gap in the division itself.
This team knows how to take on their rivals, and with everything still to play for, the Saints believe they have another run in them.
Nothing is settled in the NFC South. Every team is still capable of impacting the playoff picture as the calendar moves toward December.
For the Saints, the fight continues, and they have already proven that maybe they CAN handle the pressure under a new quarterback, Tyler Shough.