The NFL season has passed the halfway point, and all 32 teams still have everything to play for. Here’s the picture in the NFC South: The 6-2 Buccaneers are rested and recovered thanks to their bye week, the 5-4 Panthers are making a playoff charge, and the 3-5 Falcons are seeing their playoff hopes slip away. Lastly, the Saints have been one of the NFL’s worst teams in 2025, winning just one of their first nine games. Here are two bold predictions for each NFC South team in Week 9.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Sep 21, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) receives a pass against the New York Jets in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Egbuka Racks Up 100 Receiving Yards
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Rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka started the year on fire, but he’s been slowed in recent weeks by a nagging hamstring injury. However, the Bucs just had their bye week, meaning the young star should be healthy and ready to go. While the Patriots’ defense has played at a high level this season, I’m confident that Egbuka can still take over a game as Tampa’s WR1.
Defense Allows Less Than 50 Rushing Yards
The Bucs’ defense is an excellent unit that has already limited high-powered rushing offenses this season, and could be in a position to do so again this week. The Patriots’ offense has been strong thanks to the play of QB Drake Maye, but the running game has been noticeably weaker. With big defensive lineman Vita Vea in the middle of the field, New England will have trouble getting through him on the ground.
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Carolina Panthers:
Oct 19, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws the ball in the third quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Bryce Young Throws 3 Touchdowns
The Panthers have improved offensively this season by running the football rather than throwing it, relying on their tough offensive line and hard-nosed running back Rico Dowdle. But against the lowly Saints, it could be time for Bryce Young to make a statement. At home against one of the league’s worst defenses, expect a coming-out party for the young quarterback in 2025.
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Rico Dowdle Posts Yet Another 100-Yard Game
Against the Packers’ stiff defense, Dowdle still made his mark at Lambeau, running for 130 yards and two touchdowns in a stunning upset win. Now, with a much easier game on the schedule, Dowdle will be licking his chops. The Panthers should be on top for much of the matchup with New Orleans, so Dowdle should get plenty of opportunities to rack up yards.
Atlanta Falcons:
Oct 19, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (center) carries the ball against San Francisco 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown (27) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Defense Records Four Sacks
The Steelers’ defense dominated the Colts last week, recording five sacks and handing them just their second loss of the season. The Falcons face Indianapolis this week, and while I don’t expect them to win, I believe their defense can also cause some problems for the Colts. The unit’s strong front seven has recovered from injuries and should get after Daniel Jones plenty on Sunday.
Bijan Robinson Bounces Back Big-Time
To the surprise of many, Falcons RB Bijan Robinson has failed to rush for over 50 yards in three straight games. However, that streak will end this week, despite Atlanta facing a good defense on the road. Even if he doesn’t rush for 100 yards, he will surely make his impact as both a runner and receiver in this potentially explosive matchup.
New Orleans Saints:
Oct 5, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) walks on the sideline during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Olave Gains 100 Yards
Following the trade of Rashid Shaheed to Seattle, Chris Olave is the clear No. 1 target in this offense and should see plenty of volume for the rest of the season. Although he faces a tough matchup in Panthers corner Jaycee Horn this week, Olave will be fed targets due to New Orleans going behind in the game. This should allow him to put up great numbers in spite of a potential loss.
Shough Avoids A Turnover
In his first career start last week, Saints rookie QB Tyler Shough predictably struggled. However, he did an excellent job avoiding back-breaking mistakes. Against a ferocious Rams defense, Shough threw a single interception and was sacked just once. Now, he’ll face a much less scary Panthers unit, meaning he should be able to play a clean game in his second start.
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