NFC South power rankings: Falcons continue to slide while everyone else soars

All offseason, NFL analysts talked about how the Atlanta Falcons would dominate the NFC South. Although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints have been the best teams in the division for majority of the last decade, everyone was convinced the offseason moves made by Atlanta would secure it the division.

At the midpoint of the season, it seemed like that would be the case. After Week 9, the Falcons were 6-3 and sitting a top the division. However, they haven’t won a game since, and the rest of the NFC South is laughing because they’re still the same old Falcons.

Let’s take a look at where every team in the divsion ranks.

NFC South power rankings after Week 14

4. Atlanta Falcons (6-7)

Previous ranking: 4

Again, the Falcons haven’t won a game since they defeated the Dallas Cowboys on November 3. Beyond the losses, Kirk Cousins hasn’t thrown a touchdown since that game, while also throwing eight interceptions. Simply put, things are quickly unraveling in Atlanta.

Though, for as bad as it’s been the last month, the team just fell out of first place in the division. Only one game behind, all of the Falcons’ goals are in reach, they just need to figure things out fast with four games remaining.

3. Carolina Panthers (3-10)

Previous ranking: 3

The Carolina Panthers are 3-10, and they keep losing close games, but that honestly might be best-case scenario for them. The team is competitive, and are making all the right strides under first-year head coach Dave Canales, but the tough losses keep them near the top of the draft, which they need so they can add more talented players.

Second-year quarterback Bryce Young has been playing extremely well as of late, and has been let down by his teammates to the point people feel bad for the young quarterback, regardless of rooting interest. Still, that’s a great step for the team to build on.

2. New Orleans Saints (5-8)

Previous ranking: 2

On Sunday, the Saints moved to 5-8, and 3-1 under interim head coach Darren Rizzi. It’s unlikely they’ll make the playoffs, but the team has showed fight, and Rizzi is building a case to be a head coach after this season. The problem for New Orleans, though, remains injury. It’s feared Derek Carr fractured his non-throwing hand on Sunday, and if his season is over, the Saints may not win another game.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)

Previous ranking: 1

The Bucs won the last three division crowns, and they’re now in position to four peat. After defeating the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Tampa Bay sits atop the NFC South. The Buccaneers have a tough Week 15 game against the 8-5 Los Angeles Chargers, but they finish the year with the 5-7 Dallas Cowboys, 3-10 Panthers, and 5-8 Saints. The path to the NFC South throne, and the playoffs, is clear for Tampa Bay.

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