NFC South After Week 9: Saints Still on Top

Coming into Week 9, the entire NFC South was in action by way of two divisional games. The first place New Orleans Saints hosted the last place Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 5-3 Carolina Panthers hosted the 4-3 Atlanta Falcons.

So what happened in Week 9?

The Saints had a decisive win against the Buccaneers, 10-30. In the game, the Saints never trailed and knocked QB Jameis Winston out of the game, with back-up Ryan Fitzpatrick taking over in the second half. The Carolina Panthers held on to beat the Atlanta Falcons, 17-20, taking a firm grasp on second place in the NFC South, remaining only a half game (6-3) behind the Saints (6-2).

Next week, the entire division is back in action. The Saints’ 6-game winning streak is in jeopardy as they face off against the talented Buffalo Bills in Northern New York. Tampa Bay gets to play at home next week, hosting one of the other New York teams, the New York Jets. Both of those games are at noon CST. Sunday afternoon, the Atlanta Falcons play host to the Dallas Cowboys, with Cowboy’s RB Ezekiel Elliott’s status for the game still in question. On Monday Night Football, the Panthers are at home to face the visiting Miami Dolphins.

This week will be one of the biggest challenges the Saints have faced in a while. Win, and let the rest of the division take care of itself. #BeattheBills