The NFL season is nearing the finish line, but the playoff picture is far from over in the NFC South. The Panthers moved to 6-5 following their overtime win over the Falcons, leaving them just one game behind the 6-4 Buccaneers. It will be a two-horse race for the division title in 2025. Here are two bold predictions for each NFC South team in Week 9.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Baker Mayfield
Oct 20, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) drops back to pass against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Mayfield Has First 2-INT Game
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Despite being a gunslinger for much of his career, Bucs QB Baker Mayfield has done a great job protecting the football this year. This year, he’s thrown just three interceptions and has not yet thrown multiple interceptions in a game. However, the Buccaneers will have to contend with the Rams’ elite defense in Week 12, which could force Mayfield into some big mistakes.
Defense Records No Turnovers
The Tampa Bay defense has been excellent at forcing turnovers this season, with six recovered fumbles (8th in the NFL) and 10 interceptions (7th). However, Rams QB Matthew Stafford has protected the ball unbelievably well this season, throwing just two interceptions on the year. It won’t be an easy task forcing a turnover from Stafford and the exceptional LA offense.
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Carolina Panthers:
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) starts his route during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Tetairoa McMillan Gains 100 Yards Again
The Panthers’ WR1 was finally given an elite workload in Week 11, receiving a career-high 12 targets. As a result, the rookie racked up career highs in catches (eight) and yards (130) while tying his career-high in touchdowns (two). McMillan now faces a 49ers defense that has been brutalized by key injuries, and should be able to build upon his outstanding performance.
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Defense Dominated By Former Panther
The Panthers struggled against Falcons RB Bijan Robinson (143 total yards, two touchdowns), and now have to face Christian McCaffrey this week. I don’t think CMC has any ill will towards his former team, but he will likely dominate them regardless. The Panthers’ run defense will likely struggle against McCaffrey, who racks up 100-yard games like nobody’s business.
Atlanta Falcons:
Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Bijan Again Gains 100 Yards
With Penix Jr. out of the lineup, Robinson will have to be the engine of the Atlanta offense for the remainder of the year. He looked great in Week 11 and could be in for another great rushing day against the Saints. While Tyler Allegeier will still get some touches, Robinson is the better back and should get enough carries to clear the century mark for the second straight game.
Kirk Cousins Throws an Interception and fumbles once
Michael Penix Jr. is out for the season, so it’s up to Kirk Cousins to right the ship for the 3-7 Falcons. And I have my doubts that he will be able to do so. Cousins was benched last season due to his inability to avoid turnovers, and that could be the case again this week. While the Saints’ defense is a below-average unit, they could still make things difficult for Cousins and a struggling Atlanta team on the road.
New Orleans Saints:
Sep 7, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) scores a touchdown during the second quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Kamara Gains 100 Total Yards
Alvin Kamara was solid in Week 10, gaining 115 yards from scrimmage on 25 touches. Coming off the bye week, the 30-year-old should be well-rested and ready to post another strong performance against a middling Falcons run defense. While the Saints may fall behind early, Kamara’s receiving ability could help him reach 100 total yards regardless.
Shough Throws Two Interceptions
The Saints are hoping that Shough can build upon his solid Week 11 performance, in which he threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns in an upset victory. However, the aggressive Falcons defense could prove problematic for the rookie, and I expect him to be somewhat careless with the football against them. Either overconfidence or mistakes could trouble Shough against Atlanta.
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