Bucs and Falcons Share NFC South Lead
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield fell 36-30 to the Atlanta Falcons in a Week 5 overtime thriller on Thursday Night Football, a result that leaves both teams tied atop the NFC South with 3-2 records.
Despite a solid showing from Tampa Bay's run game, a late fumble and an aerial assault from Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, who threw for 508 yards, led to the Buccaneers' first divisional loss of the season.
Now, both the Buccaneers and Falcons share the NFC South lead, but Atlanta holds the tiebreaker with two crucial divisional wins. In back-to-back weeks, the Falcons have taken down their top rivals, defeating the New Orleans Saints 26-24 and the Buccaneers, propelling them into first place with momentum on their side.
The Buccaneers , sitting second, have suffered two losses this season-their first divisional defeat against Atlanta and a 26-7 loss to the Denver Broncos. Tampa Bay's most impressive victory came in Week 4, a 33-16 statement win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Saints, meanwhile, are 2-2 heading into a challenging Week 5 Monday night matchup against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. New Orleans' most dominant performance so far was a 44-19 rout of the Dallas Cowboys, powered by an unstoppable run game.
The Carolina Panthers round out the division standings at 1-3. After replacing quarterback Bryce Young with quarterback Andy Dalton, the Panthers secured a 36-22 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3.
They now face a 2-2 Chicago Bears team led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams in Week 5.
Related: Bucs' Defensive Lineman Finding 'Sustainable' Stride in Year 3As the NFC South tightens, the Buccaneers will keep a close eye on their division rivals as they prepare for a pivotal Week 6 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
This clash could have major implications on who holds the division lead going forward.
This story was originally published October 5, 2024, 2:12 PM.
