The Falcoholic
Somehow, the Buccaneers returned.
Many who follow the division thought there could be a potential shake-up in rankings this week, but those thoughts were quickly put to rest. At this stage, it seems all but inevitable that the Buccaneers will win another NFC South title.
Here’s the Week 15 NFC South review.
Week 15 Result: Buccaneers 40 - Chargers 17
Week 16 Opponent: Dallas Cowboys
This was the week Tampa Bay was supposed to stumble and give the Falcons a back door entrance to the division crown, so of course, they beat Jim Harbuagh’s Chargers to a pulp. Bucky Iriving has become a legitimate guy at running back, and Liam Coen will likely be gone next year as he’ll be a hot name in the head coach hiring circus.
The 2024 Buccaneers have persevered through countless injuries and upset losses, but heading into Week 16, they stand at the top of the division, and their remaining schedule should allow them to cruise to the title.
Week 15 Result: Saints 19 - Commanders 20
Week 16 Opponent: Green Bay Packers
This week, it was Spencer Rattler’s turn to lead the New Orleans offense, and the team lost by only one instead of three–a tangible improvement. This New Orleans season and playoff hopes may be cooked, but the team isn’t rolling over like they were under Dennis Allen.
The Saints will travel to Green Bay for Monday Night Football this week, and a late December game in Wisconsin usually does not bode well for dome teams. That’s a shame.
Week 15 Result: Panthers 14 - Cowboys 30
Week 16 Opponent: Arizona Cardinals
This was the Panthers worst loss since Week 8 against the Denver Broncos. The main culprit for the step backward in play was injuries. Carolina has been putting up a fight in recent weeks, but they have seemingly lost a player in every bout, and they are running out of linebackers, running backs, and everything in between. This week, they’ll take on the Cardinals in hopes of doubling their 2023 win total.
Week 15 Result: Falcons 15 - Raiders 9
Week 16 Opponent: New York Giants
It’s not often you see a quarterback get benched after a win. Atlanta has thrown their Kirk Cousins plan into the trash after a subpar performance against the Raiders. The Falcons are also closing the curtain on Younghoe Koo for the 2024 season as the kicker heads to injured reserve after one of the oddest strategic plans we’ve ever seen for a kicker in his position.
Atlanta feels this move to Michael Penix gives them the best chance to win, and it likely does; that doesn’t mean the team isn’t scrambling and looking as incompetent as ever. The Falcons need favors from others in the division, and the odds of that happening look bleaker by the week.
There are only three games left in the NFL...
