State of the NFC South: Standings going into Week 11
Losing streak be gone.
It was quite the week across the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons suffering their first divisional loss of the season in the unlikely 20-17 victory by none other than the New Orleans Saints on their home turf. That shakes things up from a first-glance perspective, but by the numbers where the division is concerned, does not actually make that much of a change at all outside of giving Atlanta some big things to think about.
Here's a look at where things stand with each team in the NFC South with Week 10 officially in the books, and what we can expect moving forward:
1. Atlanta Falcons
Record: 6-4
Point differential: 2
Turnover differential: -2
Next opponent: Denver Broncos
The Falcons could not have foreseen the shocker they endured on the road against the division rival Saints, and multiple analysts had the Dirty Birds recording a victory by multiple scores. And, really, if it wasn't for the slow start and an uncharacteristic three missed field goals from placekicker Younghoe Koo, that very much could have been the case. In the words of head coach Raheem Morris, the Falcons did indeed miss just about every opportunity that was presented to them in the 20-17 loss.
Still, they sit firmly atop the NFC South. It's going to take a good bit for anyone to knock them off the king's throne as well.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 4-6
Point differential: 13
Turnover differential: 0
Next opponent: New York Giants
The Buccaneers have had their moments in close games this season, but definitely have not always finished out with the end goal that they wanted. They've hit a particular rough patch now, extending their losing streak to four games with the 23-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Raymond James Stadium on Sunday.
The last time they won a game was when they bested the Saints, 51-27 in Oct. 13's beatdown at Caesars Superdome. The inability to limit chunk plays and prevent opposing offenses from becoming explosive has presented a large issue for Tampa Bay. Such reared its head once more against Brock Purdy and company.
There were almost too many of them to count, and told the story of the loss.
3. New Orleans Saints
Record: 3-7
Point differential: -19
Turnover differential: +4
Next opponent: Cleveland Browns
The Saints' seven-game losing streak is over, and this looks like an entirely different team under Rizzi. But the question is as to whether or not that is temporary and if this was a fluke in terms of what the team was able to do against the Falcons. Regardless, they've got enough games and opportunity to avoid tanking. Although, at this point, one may argue that draft capital may be more important than winning out (which seems highly unlikely considering all reality). But there is plenty of reason based on this most recent victory alone against one of the NFL's hottest teams means good things.
4. Carolina Panthers
Record: 3-7
Point differential: -143
Turnover differential: -5
Next opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
It was not long ago that the Panthers were viewed to be in the competition for the title of "worst team in the NFL." But, hey, Carolina has made some major headway as far as all of that is concerned now. The team is now on a two-game winning streak after squeezing past the Saints a couple of weeks ago in a 23-22 home victory, followed by a trip overseas to Munich, Germany, in which Carolina recorded a 20-17 overtime win against the New York Giants. That deal was sealed by the trusty leg of former Florida Gators placekicker Eddy Pineiro.
They have the slightest amount of momentum right now with quarterback Bryce Young seeming to get better and better by the week, but how well they keep that rolling will be something to keep an eye on.
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This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: State of the NFC South: Standings going into Week 11
