The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are incredibly lucky. The NFC South isn't exactly lighting up the NFL right now. Four weeks into the 2026 season, anyone could win it. Yes, even the 0-4 Buccaneers.
Last season, three of the four teams finished with identical sub .500 records. The Panthers managed to squeak into the postseason by virtue of a tiebreaker. By the looks of it, in 2026, it might come down to a similar situation.
With the Buccaneers' loss to the Packers on Sunday, the NFC South had a chance to pull ahead and give themselves a little distance, but when you look at the standings, it appears to be far worse than it actually is.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers will enter Week 5 only two games back in the NFC South
Carolina Panthers 2-2
The Panthers looked exceptional on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. The team is clicking after a slow start to begin the season. They are looking much better than they were last year and appear to be the biggest threat to the Buccaneers in 2026.
Defensively, the Panthers are consistently good, buoyed by the play of LB Devin Lloyd and free agent addition Jaelan Phillips. On offense, Bryce Young looked unstoppable against the Lions' pressure. Tetairoa McMillan caught 14 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns.
As of now, the Panthers look like the team to beat, but they are not the only ones in the division making noise.
- Week 5 - Bye
Atlanta Falcons 2-2
On Monday Night Football, the Falcons ran all over the Saints, humiliating them 45-24 in their own house. Now that their quarterback situation has been resolved with Michael Penix Jr. returning and playing solid football, the Falcons are playing much better offensively. Bijan Robinson is proving his value and earning his paycheck.
The Falcons are surprisingly showing signs of being well-coached. The team is rallying around Kevin Stefanski, but more importantly, they are rallying around each other. After four weeks of football, this NFC South is looking like a two-team race, and the Buccaneers are not one of them.
- Week 5 - Sunday Night Football at home against the Ravens
New Orleans Saints 1-3
After being blown out by the Falcons on MNF, the Saints are looking like a team that isn't quite ready for the competitive nature of the division. Tyler Shough is showing he can be their franchise quarterback, but the offensive line couldn't keep the Falcons' defenders out of the backfield, and the Saints had no answers to the constant pressure.
The Saints have a good core of players, and the future is bright, but they are not showing consistency at this point. They're another year away from being legitimate contenders.
- Week 5 - At home against the undefeated Vikings
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