NFC South standings: How Buccaneers, Falcons loss and Panthers overtime win affects playoff picture in Week 11

It looked like the NFC South was going to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers running away with the division, but the Buccaneers have run into trouble the last few weeks, giving hope to the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons. 

The latter two teams matched up in Week 11. The Falcons and the Panthers went to overtime in a game that was back-and-forth throughout. Carolina emerged victorious and now is just a half-game back from Tampa Bay in the division race. Both teams have some tough matchups upcoming, but the Panthers and Buccaneers will meet twice in the final three weeks of the regular season, which could end up being for the division. 

Here is more on how the Buccaneers' loss and the Panthers' win affect the NFC South standings in Week 11. 

MORE: Updated AFC, NFC playoff standings in Week 11

NFC South standings

The Buccaneers had the toughest game of the week on paper. Tampa Bay went on the road to take on the Buffalo Bills. It was a back and forth game, but the Bills used an impressive six-touchdown game from Josh Allen, where he threw and ran for three touchdowns apiece to pick up the 44-32 win. With the loss, Tampa Bay has dropped two of its last three games. 

Carolina and Atlanta duked it out in Week 11, and regulation wasn't enough for them to get it decided. The Panthers had quarterback Bryce Young battered and bruised throughout the game, but he set the franchise's single-game record with 448 passing yards in the win. Atlanta has injury concerns going forward as both quarterback Michael Penix Jr. And wide receiver Drake London were ruled out with injuries and didn't finish the game. 

The Saints were on bye in Week 11 and remain in last place in the division.

MORE: Updated look at the 2026 NFL Draft order in Week 11

Buccaneers upcoming schedule

Panthers upcoming schedule

Falcons upcoming schedule

Saints upcoming schedule