Sean Payton won seven NFC South division titles and reached three NFC championship games during his time with the New Orleans Saints.
Now coaching the Denver Broncos, Payton has faced some familiar faces this season because the NFL’s schedule rotation has AFC West teams playing NFC South teams in 2024.
So far, the Broncos are 3-0 against Payton’s old division with a 26-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a 33-10 win over the Saints and a 28-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers. After winning the previous matchups by combined scores of 87-31, Denver will look to complete an NFC South sweep when the Atlanta Falcons visit this weekend.
Payton was asked during his media availability on Wednesday if he’s extra competitive when facing teams from his old division.
“I don’t think so,” Payton said. “It’s a fair question. There have been so many changes. Atlanta’s new offensively and defensively. Carolina is new. Tampa certainly with Todd [Bowles] but I don’t think — you might know some personnel. The New Orleans thing was different, but I don’t think with the other three. They’re just the next team, and you dive into the scheme, you dive into the players and who does what well. That would be my answer.”
Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on Fox (view the TV map). Playing at home, the Broncos are considered slight favorites in Week 11.
