![](https://saintswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2019/12/usatsi_13827397.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
The New Orleans Saints loss to the Los Angeles Rams had major ramifications to the NFC South. The division is a three team race between the Saints, Buccaneers and Falcons. Each team is impacted directly by the Saints loss in a different way.
The Saints are clearly impacted negatively, dropping to third place in the division. They’re at a tie with the Falcons who won on Sunday. Due to a head to head victory and a better divisional win percentage, the Falcons have the edge on the tie breaker. Also, the Buccaneers are a game away from clinching the division. All of this is a result of the Saints loss on Thursday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)
![](https://saintswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2023/07/USATSI_13251372.jpg)
Division record: 3-1
Conference record: 6-4
Points differential: +24
Next game: Week 17 vs. New Orleans Saints
Atlanta Falcons (7-8)
![](https://saintswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2023/11/USATSI_21978304.jpg)
Division record: 3-2
Conference record: 4-6
Points differential: -1
Next game: Week 17 at Chicago Bears
New Orleans Saints (7-8)
![](https://saintswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2023/12/1873633968.jpg)
Division record: 2-2
Conference record: 4-6
Points differential: +34
Next game: Week 17 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Carolina Panthers (2-13)
![](https://saintswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2023/12/USATSI_22076937.jpg)
Division record: 1-4
Conference record: 1-10
Points differential: -145
Next game: Week 17 at Jacksonville Jaguars