FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Through a third of the 2025 NFL season, the NFC South looks like it will be a three-team race.
Tampa Bay and Carolina both earned home victories Sunday against potential NFC playoff contenders, and Atlanta put together an eye-opening performance to beat a Super Bowl favorite in the Buffalo Bills.
At this point, the division is trending up.
Throughout the season, this piece will serve as a check-in on the four teams in the division, tracking their performance and noting the standout players from each game. Teams will be listed in the order of the division standing.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1 | 1-0 in division)
- Atlanta Falcons (3-2 | 0-2 in division)
- Carolina Panthers (3-2 | 1-0 in division)
- New Orleans Saints (1-5)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last game: 30-19 win vs. San Francisco 49ers (4-2)
Offensive standout: LT Tristan Wirfs
Back in the lineup after missing the Bucs' first three games due to injury, Wirfs has quickly rounded into form. He played well as both a run and pass blocker, and his presence elevated the entire offensive line.
Defensive standout: CB Jamel Dean
Dean did a little bit of everything for the Bucs' defense, including a sack, forced fumble and crucial late-game interception.
Needs improvement: Field goal kicking
The Buccaneers are 5-1 and should have aspirations for a deep playoff run. When those are your ambitions, a shaky kicking game can be pretty problematic. Chase McLaughlin has missed four kicks this season, including one in the fourth quarter that kept San Francisco in it.
Telling quote: "No, that's the first time I've ever heard that. And, hopefully, it's the last. I can't do what Mike Vick ever did." – Bucs QB Baker Mayfield on his scrambling drawing comps to the Falcons' legen.
Vibe check: High
Up next: Monday, 7 p.m. ET @ Detroit Lions (4-2)
Atlanta Falcons
Last game: 24-14 win vs. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
Offensive standout: RB Bijan Robinson
Robinson was simply ridiculous on Monday night.
Defensive standout: CB Dee Alford
Filling in for injured rookie Billy Bowman Jr., Alford looked every bit the starter the Falcons needed him to be. He allowed just two receptions while also picking off and sacking Josh Allen. Doesn't get much better than that.
Needs improvement: Red zone offense
Atlanta can move the ball as well as any team in the league and currently ranks second in offensive yards per game. They are just 27th inside of the red zone, though, and leaving points on the table can be costly in this league.
Telling quote: "To see guys playing that way versus that team and that caliber and that quality of a team is absolutely outstanding. Let's you know what you've got a chance to do." – Head coach Raheem Morris
Vibe check: Good
Up next: Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET @ San Francisco 49ers (4-2)
New Orleans Saints
Last game: 25-19 loss vs. New England Patriots (4-2)
Offensive standout: QB Spencer Rattler
Rattler has been developing nicely for the Saints this season, who have been in most of their games this season. Scoring remains a struggle, but Rattler has been efficient while protecting the ball. He was 20 of 26 for 227 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Defensive standout: LB Pete Werner
Werner was steady in the middle of New Orleans' defense, recording three stops and sacking Drake Maye. He also allowed just two of the four passes thrown into his coverage.
Needs improvement: Goal-line offense
The Saints have run 20 plays in goal-to-go situations, according to TruMedia, and scored just four touchdowns. Their efficiency at the goal line ranks last in the league.
Telling quote: "I got to figure out a way to get us there because, again, we're close. We're knocking on the door, but we're not opening it." – Saints head coach Kellen Moore
Vibe check: Not good
Up next: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET @ Chicago Bears (3-2)
Carolina Panthers
Last game: 30-27 win vs. Dallas Cowboys (2-3-1)
Offensive standout: RB Rico Dowdle
For the second straight week, Dowdle absolutely went off. His 239 scrimmage yards are the most in the NFL so far this season, topping his Week 5 total by 5 yards and Bijan Robinson's performance against the Bills by 1 yard.
Defensive standout: FS Nick Scott
It wasn't a stellar performance for the Panthers' defense against a good Cowboys offense, but Scott earned a pass breakup while allowing only once completion in his coverage.
Needs improvement: Pass rush
Through six games, the Panthers have only five sacks — fewest in the NFL.
Telling quote: "We're looking for improvement in all areas and we're seeing that. We are seeing groups work together to be able to come away with a full team win right there was really amazing and it allows me to just double down on the fact that this process works if we stay together, continue to just bravely and courageously look at the mistakes we have made and correct them." – Panthers head coach Dave Canales
Vibe check: Good
Up next: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET @ New York Jets (0-6)
