The Atlanta Falcons had a chance to take over first place in the NFC South, but they were unable to hold on to their 23-15 fourth-quarter lead over the Baltimore Ravens and lost in overtime. Fortunately, the Falcons play in the NFL's junior division, and they are still in decent shape having won two out of their last three games.
The NFC South has gone a combined 6-13 this season, which is pretty embarrassing when you see some of the other divisions around the league. For comparison, the NFC North has gone 14-6 overall through the first five weeks.
Therefore, it goes without saying that Atlanta is a long way from falling out of the NFC South race. The Falcons are still in second place after five games, but how did the rest of the division fare
in Week 5?
NFC South standings: Panthers in 1st entering Week 6
- Carolina Panthers (2-2)
- Atlanta Falcons (2-3)
- New Orleans Saints (1-4)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-4)
The Carolina Panthers had a bye week, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night for their first win of the season. The Bucs are now tied for last place in the NFC South with a 1-4 record.
The New Orleans Saints continued their string of bad luck in Week 5. Despite getting out to a 7-6 halftime lead, the Saints gave up 17 second-half points to the Minnesota Vikings and dropped to 1-4 on the season. The division is still wide open, although the Panthers now sit alone in first place.
The Falcons lost starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. late in Sunday's loss to the Ravens, but the injury is not expected to keep him out of their Week 6 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
The Buccaneers will host the Pittsburgh Steelers at home in Week 6. The Panthers will face the Philadelphia Eagles on the road. The Saints will face the New York Giants on the road this Sunday.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: NFC South standings: Division is 6-13 overall entering Week 6
