The NFC South is not good, but an interesting playoff race is brewing. The Buccaneers are just a half-game ahead of the Panthers in the division lead, meaning we could be in for a wild ride. Here are my power rankings for the NFC South following Week 12.
4. New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) runs in for a touchdown against Denver Broncos linebacker Andrew Farmer (53) during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
The Saints were unable to continue their previous momentum following a Week 11 bye. New Orleans lost 24-10 to the Falcons in a disappointing performance at home, struggling on both offense and defense. At 2-9, the Saints are in contention for the top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and will have to spend that pick wisely should they receive it.
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3. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) carries the ball New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Atlanta righted the ship in Week 12, winning for the first time in six weeks. The offense was decent with backup quarterback Kirk Cousins at the helm, and the defense continued to make big plays, just like it has all season. The 4-7 Falcons are not likely to make the playoffs at this point, but the team has the potential to become elite on both sides of the ball.
2. 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
The Panthers are consistently inconsistent, and this time for the worse. Following an excellent overtime win in Atlanta last week, it was a listless offensive performance in a loss this week. QB Bryce Young looked awful, throwing two interceptions and leading Carolina to just nine points. The 6-6 Panthers cannot be a playoff contender unless they can buckle down on these inconsistent performances.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nov 16, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) passes against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter of the game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
The Buccaneers lost for the third straight week in Week 12, and the defense has continued to struggle over this stretch. The offense wasn’t much better this week, but some health issues have limited that unit in particular. If Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, and Mike Evans return soon, the offense should be back to its best sooner rather than later.
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Conclusion
Tampa Bay is still the division’s clear best team and playoff favorite despite three consecutive losses. The Panthers are too inconsistent, the Falcons are too banged-up, and the Saints are nowhere near being a playoff contender. The only question we should be asking about the NFC South is if the Buccaneers or Panthers will be making the playoffs.
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