NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 17: Taysom Hill #7 of the New Orleans Saints rushes for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Caesars Superdome on November 17, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Don’t look now, but the New Orleans Saints are gaining ground in the NFC South race. Just two weeks ago, the Saints were eyeing a top-five pick in next year’s NFL Draft and the division crown seemed like a long shot. Even though fans are still watching the draft, they should also keep an eye on the top of the division.
Darren Rizzi replaced Dennis Allen and won two straight games against the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns. The Saints and Carolina Panthers have won their last two games, while the Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have lost their last two games.
The NFC South is much tighter than it was a few weeks ago, but the standings look similar. Let’s take a look at how the NFC South has played out over the course of 11 weeks.
1. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 10: Younghoe Koo #6 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after missing a field goal during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on November 10, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Point difference: -30
Turnover differential: -3
Next opponent: against the Los Angeles Chargers
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 13: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 13, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Point difference: +13
Turnover differential: 0
Next opponent: @New York Giants
3. New Orleans Saints (4-7)
November 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, United States; New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (7) throws a towel to fans at the end of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Point difference: +2
Turnover differential: 2
Next opponent: vs. Los Angeles Rams (December 1)
4. Carolina Panthers (3-7)
November 3, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, United States; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) celebrates the touchdown in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Point difference: -143
Turnover differential: 0
Next opponent: against the Kansas City Chiefs
More NFC South coverage
Darren Rizzi becomes second 2-0 coach in Saints history
Highlights and misses from the Saints’ Week 11 win over the Cleveland Browns
5 takeaways from the Falcons’ blowout loss to the Denver Broncos
Falcons benched rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. late against Broncos
7 potential replacements for Todd Bowles if the team moves on
Bucs bring back DB Mike Edwards after claiming him off waivers
