With just two weeks remaining in the regular season, the NFC South is still undecided. While the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers are near the bottom of the league, the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are fighting for the top spot in the division.
Both are 8-7 after Week 16, but they’re in completely different spots. Atlanta just handed the keys to rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., hoping he can save the season, and the Bucs have a veteran team hoping to win their fourth straight division title.
From playoffs to draft positioning, there will be a lot at stake for all four teams in the final two weeks. Here’s a look at how the division’s power rankings stand after Week 16.
NFC South power rankings after Week 16
4. New Orleans Saints (5-10)
Previous ranking: 2
The Saints weren’t just the most embarrassing team in the NFC South this week, they were the most embarrassing team in the league. Losing 34-0 to the Green Bay Packers in primetime, New Orleans was the first team to be shutout this season. The Saints were without a ton of important players, but there underwhelming performance still lands them at the bottom of the list.
3. Carolina Panthers (4-11)
Previous ranking: 4
The Panthers continued their positive turnaround, playing in yet another close game, but this time they won. Carolina defeated the Arizona Cardinals 36-30 in an overtime game. Bryce Young had another statement performance, and the franchise will be entering the offseason with hope for the first time in a few years.
2. Atlanta Falcons (8-7)
Previous ranking: 3
The Falcons dominated the news cycle this past week with the decision to bench Kirk Cousins for Michael Penix Jr., and the rookie quarterback got his career started with a dominant 34-7 win over the New York Giants. Penix did play well, but it’s hard to praise the Falcons too much, because they played a bad Giants team that threw two pick sixes.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)
Previous ranking: 1
After four straight wins, the Buccaneers finally stumbled, losing 26-24 to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. Now, Tampa Bay is no longer in the driver seat for the division lead. While the Bucs have the same record as Atlanta, the Falcons have the tiebreak, winning both head-to-head matchups. That means the Buccaneers will need another stumble from Atlanta to win the NFC South.