Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Well, well, well… first place in the division just got a bit more interesting. After coming off a near-embarrassing loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the Buccaneers then lost to the now 3-10 Saints. This was a game that Tampa Bay had no reason to lose, and compared to how this team looked at the beginning of the season, this is an entirely different team. QB Baker Mayfield’s accuracy issues are clear; HC Todd Bowles is making confusing decisions, like going away from the run early; the Bucs’ great run defense
was not consistent enough against the Saints; and injuries are rampant. The Buccaneers do not have much time to fix these issues, but they need to.
Atlanta Falcons
Once again, the Falcons had a losing week, but this time, it looked even worse. Going into the half, it was actually a tied game, but once that third quarter started, the Seattle Seahawks did not look back. The final score was 37-9, and Atlanta scored only three points in the second half. Looking at some positives, the Falcons’ run defense actually did great, and this is where that list ends. Kirk Cousins had two interceptions and could not get the offense going; the defense was getting picked apart by Sam Darnold, and the special teams allowed one of the Seahawks’ touchdowns (shoutout Rashid Shaheed on that one).
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were on their bye week
New Orleans Saints
What is this? Were the Saints the only NFC South team to win this week? Is this a different universe?
Somehow, with an underperforming offensive line, injuries throughout the roster, a rookie QB and HC, and wins being extremely rare in 2025, the Saints defeated the NFC South leaders, Tampa Bay. People will always argue if draft picks or wins are more important for a rebuilding team. This win may be the perfect example of why wins matter. QB Tyler Shough led the Saints to victory; the defense is overperforming under DC Brandon Staley; HC Kellen Moore had a better coaching day; and young players made an impact all day. For this team’s development, this was a perfect win.
Current NFC South Standings
- Buccaneers (7-6)
- Panthers (7-6)
- Falcons (4-9)
- Saints (3-10)
