NFC South power rankings: Bucs and Panthers are finally moving in the right direction

Like many divisions throughout the NFL, the NFC South is still wide open. Through 12 weeks of the season, it’s been hard to get a read on what many people consider the worst division in the NFL. Every team has gotten a little hot at some point, but all four have also had embarrassing losing streaks.

In Week 12, only half of the division was in action, while the other half had bye weeks. Still, there were some surprising performances, and a shake up in the division’s power rankings.

NFC South power rankings after Week 12

4. Carolina Panthers (3-8)

Previous ranking: 4

The Carolina Panthers remaining at No. 4 feels unfair to the progress they’ve clearly made in recent weeks. They entered Week 12 on a two-game win streak, and hosted the Kansas City Chiefs. However, Carolina wasn’t dominated, only losing 30-27

They appear to be much improved, especially offensively. Bryce Young is starting to tap into the potential that mad him the No. 1 pick, and fans are once again getting hopeful about the future.

3. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)

Previous ranking: 3

The Atlanta Falcons had their bye week in Week 12, so they couldn’t disappoint this past weekend. However, when they return on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, they’ll still be on a two-game losing streak, and the hot Chargers could extend that to three games.

Despite the recent losses, Atlanta still sits atop the division, but the other teams are hoping they continue to stumble.

2. New Orleans Saints (4-7)

Previous ranking: 1

The New Orleans Saints also had a bye week in Week 12, but they are currently on a two-game win streak. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi got things turned around, and he’ll try to keep the momentum rolling in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams. New Orleans hasn’t been eliminated from any race, so with a strong finish to the season, the playoffs are still a possibility.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)

Previous ranking: 2

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers returned to action on Sunday after a Week 11 bye, and the bye did them good. Prior to their week off, the Bucs had lost four straight games. Tampa Bay got back in the win column in a big way, defeating the struggling New York Giants 30-7.

Now, the Bucs are hoping to catch the Falcons and win their fourth straight NFC South title.

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