:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61874815/usa_today_11493074.0.jpg)
It wasn’t the prettiest of wins across the division, but all four teams in the NFC South were able to avoid the loss column in Week 7. Here’s how it all happened.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13317353/usa_today_11493194.jpg)
Coming into Week 7, the entire NFC South was in action. The first place New Orleans Saints (4-1) were coming out of their bye week to face a divisional leader for the second week in a row, taking on the leaders of the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens. The second place Carolina Panthers (3-2) faced the suddenly-struggling Philadelphia Eagles in the City of Brotherly Love. The third place Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3) hosted the lowly Cleveland Browns, and the last place Atlanta Falcons (2-4) hosted the disappointing New York Giants.
The Saints were the only team to face a team with a winning record in Week 7, but they were able to take care of business thanks in no small part to Justin Tucker missing the first extra point of his career, 24-23. The win improved the Saints to 5-1. The rest of the division took advantage of their weaker opponents, all eking out wins as well. The Buccaneers, not the Panthers, were the NFC South team to win on the back of an extra long field goal, beating the Browns 26-23 in overtime, improving to .500 at 3-3. The Carolina Panthers held on to win against the Eagles to the tune of 21-17, keeping pace with the Saints, now at 4-2. The Atlanta Falcons were able to edge out the New York Giants in a one possession game 23-20 on Monday Night Football, to now sit a game under .500 at 4-3.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13270239/usa_today_10250018.jpg)
Now into Week 8, the Atlanta Falcons now take their bye.
The Carolina Panthers now get to face the Baltimore Ravens (4-3), but have the luxury of facing Joe Flacco and Company at home. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face one of the Saints future opponents, the Cincinnati Bengals (4-3). Both of those games are Sunday at noon. The New Orleans Saints seek redemption for the Minnesota Miracle, facing the Vikings (4-2-1) in Minnesota Sunday night.
If the Saints can find a way to beat the Vikings for the first time in three tries in Minnesota, it could be a good opportunity to gain a bit of ground in the NFC. But let’s worry about our game and let the rest of the division take care of itself.
#BeattheVikings