With the close of Sunday, each team in the NFC South has played their week eight opponent and we now have a clearer picture of the NFC South standings.

Atlanta Falcons (4-4)

Entering week eight play the Falcons were the only team in the NFC South with a record north of .500. That is no longer the case as the Falcons lost to the Tennessee Titans, 28-25, on Sunday.

The Falcons defense struggled to contain the Titans passing attack as rookie second-round quarterback Will Levis launched not one, not two, not three but four touchdown passes in his NFL debut while starting for injured starter Ryan Tannehill. The Falcons put their own backup quarterback into the game following halftime with Taylor Heinecke replacing starter Desmond Ridder.

Ridder was taken out to be evaluated for a concussion but was kept out after clearing the protocol. Head coach Arthur Smith acknowledged that the offense had a spark with Heinicke in, as they scored 20 points in the second half after only scoring three with Ridder at the helm in the first. Ridder also lost a fumble in the game – his sixth this season. The Falcons will host a Vikings team that just lost starting quarterback Kirk Cousins for the season next Sunday.

Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson and Panthers QB Bryce Young – Photo by: USA Today

New Orleans Saints (4-4)

Just 10 days after their offense struggled to score against the Jaguars week seven during Thursday Night football, the Saints exploded for 38 points in a 38-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Saints were able to create separation in the second half after entering halftime up just 21-20.

Despite identical overall records, the Saints only jump the Bucs into second place in the division by virtue of tiebreaker. The Saints are 1-1 in division play with a loss to the Bucs in week four while the Falcons are undefeated against the NFC South (2-0). The Saints play at home against a struggling Bears club that lost to the L.A. Chargers on Sunday night this week.

Saints QB Derek Carr – Photo by: USA Today

Tampa Bay Bucs (3-4)

The Bucs lost 24-18 on Thursday to the Buffalo Bills, falling to 3-4 and under .500 for the first time all season. The Bucs travel to Houston to play a surprisingly competitive Texans team next Sunday. Houston is coming off a surprising loss to Carolina on Sunday, though.

Carolina Panthers (1-6)

The Panthers became the last team to notch a win for the season as they beat the Houston Texans 15-13. The Panthers struggled to generate offense on the day, scoring just one touchdown but their defense was able to stymie the Texans’ offense and forcing a turnover.

The win marked the first in the career for 2023 number one overall pick Bryce Young. The Panthers play host to the Indianapolis Colts next week.

Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson – Photo by: USA Today

NFC South Week 9 Outlook

Three of the four NFC South teams have a chance at exiting week nine with sole possession of first place in the division. Atlanta can maintain the top spot with a win, while the Saints would move into first with a win and a Falcons loss. The Bucs could leapfrog into first place with a win of their own and losses by both the Falcons and the Saints this Sunday.