The NFC South still has three times that can potentially win the division. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could have clinched the division with a win over the New Orleans Saints in week 17, but they lost 23-13. Baker Mayfield threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns in the loss but also threw two picks. The Saints did a great job of shutting down Rachaad White who ended the day with just 42 yards rushing on 11 caries. For the Saints, Derek Carr was efficient throwing for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Juwan Johnson led the Saints’ pass catchers with eight catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. The Buccaneers will win the division with a week 18 win over the Carolina Panthers. The Saints win the division with a win over the Atlanta Falcons and a Buccaneers loss. The Saints have an outside chance of making it in as a wild card even if Tampa Bay wins but would need a lot of help.

It was another disastrous loss for the Atlanta Falcons 37-17 to the Chicago Bears. The Falcons have lost three of their last four. That has Arthur Smith squarely on the hot seat. Taylor Heinicke threw three interceptions in the loss and was eventually replaced by Desmond Ridder. There is a lot of talent on the Falcons’ offense. They should be putting up better numbers than they are. They can still win the division with a win over the Saints and a Buccaneers loss to the Panthers.

Speaking of the Panthers, they will be excited when the final horn sounds at the end of that week 18 game against Tampa Bay. They had another terrible loss in week 17 26-0 to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville played this game without Trevor Lawrence and Carolina still allowed them to put up 26 points. Bryce Young struggled again throwing for just 112 yards and an interception. They need to surround Young with a lot of talent this offseason. That will not be easy without a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

NFC South Standings Week 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-8

New Orleans Saints 8-8

Atlanta Falcons 7-9

Carolina Panthers 2-14