NFC South power rankings: A new leader in the division has emerged

Over the last seven seasons, two teams have dominated the NFC South: the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the last three division titles, and the Saints won the four before that. Last season, Tampa Bay and New Orleans had the best records in the division.

Despite that, neither team was the talk of the division this offseason. That title belonged to the Atlanta Falcons. From bringing in a new coach, a new veteran quarterback, and several other quality players, the Falcons were generally the preseason pick to win the division.

Of course, the Saints and Buccaneers made it clear they would have something to say about that, but the Falcons are in the process of proving everyone right.

NFC South power rankings after Week 5

4. Carolina Panthers (1-4)

Previous ranking: 4

The Carolina Panthers are still the Carolina Panthers, losing to the Chicago Bears 36-10 in Week 5. The quarterback change they made didn’t make much of a difference, and head coach Dave Canales is already being asked about possibly going back to Bryce Young.

Truthfully, Panthers fans are probably already thinking about Travis Hunter.

3. New Orleans Saints (2-3)

Previous ranking: 3

The New Orleans Saints have lost their last three games, and Carolina is the only thing keeping them from being last in the division. Things aren’t looking good for New Orleans right now.

The team isn’t just losing games, it’s losing players. The latest key player to get hit with an injury is quarterback Derek Carr. With Carr expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks, the Saints will try to snap their losing streak with an inexperienced quarterback under center.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)

Previous ranking: 1

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had been rolling, putting together complete games and looking like a team ready to claim its fourth straight division crown. That was until they ran into Atlanta and lost 36-30 in overtime.

Beyond losing a divisional game, the Buccaneers defense was atrocious, giving up 550 yards. Tampa Bay now sits second in the NFC South, and has to wait on the Falcons to stumble.

1. Atlanta Falcons (3-2)

Previous ranking: 2

The Atlanta Falcons haven’t had a dominant win yet, but they have two straight wins, and both came against the next best teams in the division. They’re now the only team undefeated in divisional games, and currently lead the NFC South.

The Falcons seem to be finding their stride and Kirk Cousins is coming off his best game yet. If they can continue to play at this level, they can be a threat in the NFC.

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