The Atlanta Falcons are just 5-8 this season, but up until last weekend, they controlled their own destiny in terms of making the playoffs. That changed in Week 14 when the Carolina Panthers defeated the Seattle Seahawks.
Now that the Panthers are 5-8, they’ve essentially jumped the Falcons in the NFC South standings. While the Panthers have the same record as the Falcons, Carolina has the advantage over Atlanta due to its division record.
- (6-7) Buccaneers
- (5-8) Panthers
- (5-8) Falcons
- (4-9) Saints
The Panthers sit at 3-1 with two NFC South games left, and could leapfrog Tampa Bay if they win their four remaining games. The Falcons, on the other hand, are just 1-3 within the division. So if both teams were to win out, the Panthers would still take the NFC South crown.
Carolina has games left against the Steelers, Lions, Buccaneers and Saints. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay will face off against the Bengals, Cardinals, Panthers and Falcons to close out the year.
Considering how inconsistent all four NFC South teams have been this season, the divisional race will likely come down to the very end.
