The NFL season has passed the halfway point, and the playoff picture is beginning to clear up in the NFC. Here’s the picture in the NFC South: The 6-3 Buccaneers suffered a narrow defeat at home to the Patriots, the 5-5 Panthers were upset at home by the 2-8 Saints, and the 3-6 Falcons continue to drop out of the playoff race following an overtime loss to the Colts. Here are two bold predictions for each NFC South team in Week 9.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Nov 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker (44) runs for a gain during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Sean Tucker Gains 100 Total Yards
Advertisement
Starting running back Bucky Irving remains sidelined with foot and shoulder injuries, and the Tampa running game has struggled with backup Rachaad White. However, third-string running back Sean Tucker was effective in Week 10, rushing for 53 yards on just nine carries (5.9 yards per carry). The Bills’ run defense was gashed by De’Von Achane this week, and the Bucs should look to do the same next week by feeding Tucker the football.
Mayfield Takes Four Sacks
The Bucs’ offensive line received a huge boost with the return of right tackle Luke Goedeke to the lineup in Week 10, but they’ll have their work cut out for them next week. The Bills’ defense might struggle against the run, but they do a great job pressuring quarterbacks. I expect Baker Mayfield to be under plenty of pressure on Sunday, and a raucous Buffalo crowd won’t help matters.
Advertisement
Carolina Panthers:
Nov 9, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to pass during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Bryce Young Throws 3 Interceptions
The Panthers’ quarterback appeared to have turned a corner last season, but that now looks like a mirage. He’s been awful in 2025, and last week’s pathetic performance at home against the Saints (zero touchdowns, one interception) was the cherry on top. Facing a massively improved Falcons defense on the road in Week 11, expect Young to struggle mightily.
Advertisement
Defense Allows 35 Points
This defense couldn’t stop rookie quarterback Tyler Shough last week, and that was arguably its easiest matchup of the season. Now, Carolina has to deal with the triple threat of QB Michael Penix Jr., RB Bijan Robinson, and WR Drake London. The Panthers may have won this matchup 30-0 in Carolina earlier this season, but in Atlanta, this game could go entirely in the opposite direction.
Atlanta Falcons:
Nov 2, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) celebrates his touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Drake London Clears 100 Yards Again
In terms of individual matchups, star wideout Drake London has a tough one in Week 11. The Panthers’ top cornerback is Jaycee Horn, a young star in his own right. London will have his work cut out for him, but he’s on an absolute tear in the last two weeks, and I expect that to continue. He should see double-digit targets again and parlay that into another 100-yard game.
Bijan Robinson Scores Twice
While Robinson did bounce back in Week 10, rushing for 87 yards, he still failed to find the end zone. However, against Carolina’s weak defense, he should be in for a big day. While he still has to split touches with Tyler Allegier, who was also effective last week, it’s about time that Robinson finds the end zone again, especially in what appears to be an easy matchup.
New Orleans Saints:
Nov 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Shough Progresses In Offense
The Saints are on bye in Week 11, which allows rookie quarterback Tyler Shough to build on what he’s already learned in the NFL. He’s looked solid in Kellen Moore’s offense, especially last week, when he threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Carolina. The bye week should help him continue to adjust to the pros and this offense in particular.
Kamara’s Bounce-Back Continues
With the Saints leading for a large part of the game last week, they relied on running back Alvin Kamara to chew up the clock, and that’s exactly what the veteran did. He racked up 115 yards from scrimmage on 25 touches, helping New Orleans put the game away in the second half. As an older back, expect Kamara to take advantage of this bye and come back strong next week.
Check out all of our NFL articles:https://www.thebiglead.com/category/nfl/