The unpredictable nature of the NFC South continues to surprise fans around the league. In Week 16, the Carolina Panthers took down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to take over first place in the division with two weeks left in the 2025 NFL season.
The Buccaneers have lost three straight games as they continue to spiral at the worst possible time. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints just keep on rolling. Both teams seem to have come to life after being eliminated from playoff contention.
The Falcons defeated the Arizona Cardinals for their second straight win and now sit at 6-9 overall. The Saints blew out the New York Jets, 29-6, to secure their third straight win. That’s not bad for a team that started 2-10 this season.
Let’s check out the updated NFC South standings going into Week 17.
NFC South standings: Entering Week 17Carolina Panthers (8-7)Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)Atlanta Falcons (6-9)New Orleans Saints (5-10)
The Buccaneers have a chance to bounce back next weekend against the Miami Dolphins. The Panthers will host the red-hot Seattle Seahawks at home. The Falcons will face the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football. Lastly, the Saints will face the Tennessee Titans on the road in Week 17.