NFC South Rundown: Buccaneers Slip, Falcons Stumble, and the Saints Steal the Spotlight
The NFC South just got a whole lot messier. With the division crown still very much up for grabs, Week 14 delivered a shakeup that no one saw coming-unless you’re the New Orleans Saints, who suddenly look like the most energized team in the group. Let’s break down what went wrong (and surprisingly right) for each squad.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A Team Searching for Answers
Just two weeks ago, the Buccaneers were in the driver’s seat in the NFC South. Now? They’re still technically on top, but the wheels are wobbling.
Tampa Bay followed up a narrow escape against the Cardinals with a loss to a Saints team that entered the game at 2-10. This wasn’t just a stumble-it was a faceplant. The Bucs looked out of sync from the jump, and the issues that have quietly built up all season finally caught up to them.
Baker Mayfield’s accuracy continues to be a problem. Whether it’s misfires on routine throws or missing open receivers in key moments, the inconsistency is stalling drives and putting added pressure on the defense.
And speaking of pressure, head coach Todd Bowles is starting to feel it. His decision to abandon the run early-despite having success on the ground-left many scratching their heads.
This team was built to control tempo and win with defense. But when you go one-dimensional, you’re asking for trouble.
Defensively, the Bucs' once-vaunted run defense didn’t show up the way it needed to. The Saints found ways to move the ball, and Tampa Bay couldn’t get enough stops when it mattered. Add in a growing injury list, and the margin for error is shrinking fast.
At 7-6, the Bucs are still tied for the division lead, but they’re trending in the wrong direction. If they don’t clean things up quickly, they could find themselves on the outside looking in come playoff time.
Atlanta Falcons: From Competitive to Collapse
The Falcons’ season continues to spiral, and this week’s 37-9 loss to the Seahawks might be the low point.
Things didn’t look terrible early on-Atlanta went into halftime tied. But then came the third quarter, and the wheels completely fell off. Seattle outscored the Falcons 27-0 in the second half, and Atlanta had no answers.
Let’s start with the good news: the run defense actually played well. That’s about it.
Offensively, Kirk Cousins had a rough outing. Two interceptions, stalled drives, and a complete inability to find rhythm after halftime. The Falcons couldn’t stretch the field, couldn’t sustain drives, and couldn’t protect the football.
Defensively, it was a rough watch. Sam Darnold-yes, that Sam Darnold-picked apart the secondary. The coverage was soft, the tackling was inconsistent, and the pass rush didn’t get home nearly enough.
And to make matters worse, the special teams unit gave up a touchdown on a return. Rashid Shaheed made them pay, and it was the kind of breakdown that speaks to a team that’s just not playing complementary football.
At 4-9, the Falcons are officially in spoiler mode. But with performances like this, even that role feels like a reach.
Carolina Panthers: Rest, Reset, and Regroup
The Panthers were on a bye this week, which might’ve been the best result of any NFC South team not named New Orleans.
At 7-6, they’re still tied with the Bucs atop the division. With time to rest, reset, and get healthier, Carolina has a real opportunity to make a late-season push. The question is: can they find consistency on offense to complement a defense that’s been quietly solid all year?
We’ll find out soon enough.
New Orleans Saints: A Win That Means More Than the Record
Let’s give credit where it’s due: the Saints just pulled off one of the most surprising wins of the season-and they earned every bit of it.
Despite a depleted roster, a struggling offensive line, and a rookie quarterback under center, New Orleans took down the division-leading Buccaneers. And they did it with a mix of grit, smart coaching, and young talent stepping up in big moments.
Tyler Shough looked poised beyond his years. He didn’t light up the stat sheet, but he made the right reads, avoided costly mistakes, and led with confidence. For a rookie in a tough spot, that’s a huge step forward.
Defensively, Brandon Staley’s group is punching well above its weight. The unit flew around the field, made life miserable for Mayfield, and held strong in the red zone. It wasn’t just effort-it was execution.
And let’s talk about Kellen Moore. The first-year head coach called one of his best games of the season. He leaned on his young players, adjusted when needed, and outcoached a veteran staff on the other sideline.
At 3-10, the Saints aren’t going to the playoffs. But this win?
It matters. Not just for morale, but for the development of a young roster that’s starting to believe in itself.
These are the kinds of games that can lay the foundation for something bigger down the road.
NFC South Standings (After Week 14)
- Buccaneers (7-6)
- Panthers (7-6)
- Falcons (4-9)
- Saints (3-10)
With four weeks to go, the NFC South is still wide open-but the momentum is shifting. Tampa Bay and Carolina are tied up top, but the cracks are showing. The Falcons are fading fast, and the Saints, despite their record, just reminded everyone that no game in this division is a gimme.
Buckle up. December football in the NFC South is going to be wild.