This isn’t what anyone in the building expected coming out of Week 13. The New Orleans Saints aren’t even tied for the NFC South lead after losing to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. They’re back in third place again after investing $150 million in a quarterback and doubling down on Dennis Allen’s vision for the team.
With the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning their games and the Saints coming up short in their third consecutive loss, New Orleans finds itself even further back in the division standings. Sure, the NFC South crown isn’t yet out of reach — but it’s growing more distant by the week.
Here’s the state of each NFC South team as they exit Week 13 and begin to prepare for what’s next:
1
Atlanta Falcons (6-6)
Points differential: -14
Divisional record: 3-0
Conference record: 4-4
Upcoming games: Week 14 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Week 15 at Carolina Panthers
2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)
Points differential: -12
Divisional record: 2-1
Conference record: 4-4
Upcoming games: Week 14 at Atlanta Falcons, Week 15 at Green Bay Packers
3
New Orleans Saints (5-7)
Points differential: +2
Divisional record: 1-2
Conference record: 2-5
Upcoming games: Week 14 vs. Carolina Panthers, Week 15 vs. New York Giants
4
Carolina Panthers (1-11)
Points differential: -122
Divisional record: 0-3
Conference record: 0-8
Upcoming games: Week 14 at New Orleans Saints, Week 15 vs. Atlanta Falcons
