State of the NFC South: Week 5

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 11: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball during the second quarter of a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 11, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Morgan Simmons/Getty Images) | Getty Images Tampa Bay Bucc

Football Zone

SEE ALL

SB Nation

Tyson Bagent reminds Chicago Bears fans how good they have it with Caleb Williams

Patriots Wire

Announcers revealed for Patriots' Week 6 matchup against Jets

SB Nation

Raiders news: Fallout of botched Maxx Crosby trade

What is the story about?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This division makes no sense. The one team that has looked like the worst team in the NFL each week ends up winning against the Dallas Cowboys, a team trying to make the playoffs. It was a game that was more about the Cowboys giving the game away rather than the Bucs winning it, but nonetheless, Tampa Bay is on the board.

Rookie QB Jalon Daniels had a decent game, but the real star was Bucky Irving, who finished with 165 rushing yards. The Buccaneers’ success is dependent on Irving having good games.

This is the first time Irving has gone over 100 yards this season.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers were on their bye week.

Next, they face the Philadelphia Eagles, and with their tough start to the season, the Panthers have a chance to widen their first-place lead.

Atlanta Falcons

After beating the division rival Saints on Monday Night Football, Atlanta had a tougher opponent in Week 5. The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the best teams in the NFL, but they were going to be without Lamar Jackson. Still, with how well the Ravens are coached, especially on offense, Baltimore was going to be a challenge, and in the end, the Falcons couldn’t get it done.

This was still a good game for the Falcons, and the game even went to overtime, nut near the end of the fourth quarter, Michael Penix was injured. After the Ravens drained nearly the entire overtime clock and scored a touchdown, the Falcons got the ball, but Tua Tagovailoa threw an interception on the second snap.

New Orleans Saints

And now the Saints, we have a new team in last place. After their embarrassing loss to the Falcons, the Saints followed it up with another bad game. It’s clear that the team is angry with the results; Tyler Shough is playing through injuries, and the Saints are risking his health even more by playing him, and Kellen Moore’s time as head coach is starting to slip away. When everyone knows the Vikings are going to blitz, the Saints are unprepared for the blitz. Being unprepared is a common occurrence for the team, and as of now, there is no sign the Saints are going to turn this thing around.

NFC South standings: