The next two games for Atlanta against the Panthers and Saints will likely determine if they can mount a challenge for the top spot in the division.

Will McFadden

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. Week 10 was not a banner week for the NFC South. The division was 1-3, and that lone win came in an intra-south contest between the Saints and the Panthers.

After 10 weeks, the Buccaneers still hold a one-game lead in the division over the Panthers. Their recent losses keep the Falcons lingering in the division picture. The next two games for Atlanta against the Panthers and Saints will likely determine if they can mount a challenge for the top spot.

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.

**NFC South standings after Week 10**

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last game:28-23 loss vs. New England Patriots (8-2)

Offensive standout:QB Baker Mayfield

The MVP hype around Mayfield that was bubbling up around Weeks 4 and 5 has cooled a bit, but he played like one on Sunday to keep the Bucs in it. He was 28 of 43 for 273 yards with three touchdown passes good for a 106.1 passer rating.

Defensive standout:S Tykee Smith

His fourth-quarter interception in the end zone stopped a Patriots' scoring drive and gave the Buccaneers a chance to take the lead. Smith also finished with eight tackles, the second most on the team.

Needs improvement:Situational football

If the Buccaneers have aspirations to win the division and make a run in the playoffs, they'll need to improve in two key situational areas third down and red zone. Tampa Bay currently ranks 17th and 21st in those two areas, respectively, on defense, and it ranks 24th in both categories on offense.

Telling quote:"It's difficult, but we've been dealing with it all year. We've got to find a way to win games. That's really where we are at this point. The guys we have on this team have to step up and we have to find a way to win games with the guys we have." Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles on the team's injuries.

Up next:The Buccaneers travel to play the Buffalo Bills (6-3) on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. ET.

Carolina Panthers

Last game:17-7 loss vs. New Orleans Saints (2-8)

Offensive standout:OT Taylor Moton

It was not a good day at all for Carolina's offense, but Moton was solid at right tackle and did not allow a single pressure.

Defensive standout:LB Nic Scourton

Scourton finished the game with four tackles, a pair of quarterback hurries and a sack. It was a consistent and promising performance for the rookie.

Needs improvement:Passing offense

Carolina's passing game doesn't have nearly as much juice as one might expect with a first-round quarterback and two first-round receivers.

Telling quote:"We can't give up big plays. We can't turn the ball over. Offense has to be more opportunistic and take advantage of some of the situations. The defense made some adversity stops for us and got us the ball back over and over in the second half. We didn't come away with anything off of it." Panthers head coach Dave Canales

Up next:The Panthers will travel to play the Atlanta Falcons (3-6) on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. ET.

Atlanta Falcons

Last game:31-25 loss at Indianapolis Colts (8-2)

Offensive standout:WR Drake London

London is on a two-game tear that should remind people he is among the league's best young receivers. He once again led Atlanta's receivers against the Colts, hauling in six passes for 104 yards and a touchdown.

Defensive standout:ED Jalon Walker

This rookie class of defenders has been very promising so far, and Walker put together one of his best efforts so far on Sunday. He finished the game with six tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Needs improvement:Third-down offense

After ranking ninth in third-down conversion rate from Weeks 1-7, Atlanta has been the least-efficient team in the NFL on third down in Weeks 8-10.

Telling quote:"We had plenty of opportunities to win it. We've just got to find a way to get better, whether it's stopping the run, whether it's covering kicks better, returning the ball better or converting on third down -- all the things that kind of hurt us today." Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.

Up next:The Falcons host the Carolina Panthers (5-5) on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. ET.

New Orleans Saints

Last game:17-7 win at Carolina Panthers (5-5)

Offensive standout:WR Chris Olave

I thought long and hard about giving this to Tyler Shough for a really clean and efficient performance, but Olave deserves this nod for making what might be the early candidate for catch of the year.

Defensive standout:LB Demario Davis

It's a little boring to keep giving Davis this shoutout, but he remains such a steady and impactful presence for New Orleans' defense.

Needs improvement:Scoring touchdowns

This continues to be the story of the season for New Orleans. They are last in red-zone and goal-to-go efficiency, and they are 31st in touchdowns per drive.

Telling quote: "I give a ton of credit to our guys, the way they battled the last few weeks to come up short a number of games in a row. And to come back, recharged, ready to go each Wednesday, ready to put in a new plan and just go about the week every single week the same way and so I think it's credit to our guys. We have the right kind of guys in the building to keep growing and keep developing and keep getting better as a team." Saints head coach Kellen Moore.

Up next:The Saints are on bye in Week 11.

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