NFC South power rankings: An embarrassing Week 7 for the entire division

The NFC South helped kickoff Week 7, with the New Orleans Saints playing on Thursday Night Football, and the division also helped wrap up the week, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing on Monday Night Football. Unfortunately for the division, it was an embarrassing weekend from start to finish.

All four teams in the division lost, and they lost embarrassingly. In addition to the losses, there were a few significant injuries that will impact how the teams in the division move forward.

NFC South power rankings after Week 7

4. Carolina Panthers (1-6)

Previous ranking: 4

There are probably a few people too ashamed to admit they were actually fooled by the Carolina Panthers’ quarterback change that immediately led to a win. Turns out, the Panthers are still the worst team in the league, regardless of who’s taking snaps.

In Week 7, they lost 40-7 to the Washington Commanders. Emerging rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels left the game with an injury, and Carolina was still carved up by veteran Marcus Mariota.

3. New Orleans Saints (2-5)

Previous ranking: 3

Every week is the same for the New Orleans Saints: an embarrassing loss and devastating injuries. In Week 7, they fell to the Denver Broncos 33-10, and also lost starting corner Paulson Adebo to a season-ending injury.

Following their mini-bye week, since they played on Thursday, the Saints are getting healthy. Hopefully, this means they will finally get back in the win column.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)

Previous ranking: 2

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are tied for the best record in the division, but Week 7 was a nightmare for the team. Despite what the 41-31 final score says, the Bucs were blown out by the Baltimore Ravens. The score was 41-18 with six minutes left in the fourth, then Baltimore turned on cruise control.

Beyond losing the game, Tampa Bay lost their two star receivers. Mike Evans left the game early with what appeared to be a significant hamstring injury, and Chris Godwin was carted off the field in an air cast in the fourth quarter with a dislocated ankle. The Bucs must now navigate their absences moving forward.

1. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)

Previous ranking: 1

The Atlanta Falcons remain at No. 1, but that’s only because every other team in the division also stunk in Week 7. Atlanta loss to the Seattle Seahawks 34-14. Kirk Cousins threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. The game was so out of hand that rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. made an appearance.

The Falcons ultimately hold on to their top spot, but they need to clean things up moving forward if they want to remain atop the division.

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