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The race for the NFC South title is formally going to return down to 1 sport: Saints at Falcons. That is proper, the division title can be determined by two groups that may’t even win the division.
That turned a actuality on Saturday after the Buccaneers secured a 16-14 win over the Panthers in an NFC South showdown that did not find yourself deciding something. If Carolina received the sport, the Panthers would have clinched the division title, however as a result of the Bucs received, the Saints-Falcons sport on Sunday will now determine who wins the division.
How is that even doable? That is an excellent query. Let’s reply it.
The Falcons pulled off a shocker Monday night time once they beat the Rams, 27-24. The win improved Atlanta’s file to 7-9 — and that is the place issues get fascinating.
Let’s take a fast take a look at the NFC South standings so we are able to break down why Atlanta’s win made such an enormous distinction within the division title race.
Buccaneers | 8-9 | 2-2 (1-1 vs. Falcons, 1-1 vs. Panthers) | 6-6 |
Panthers | 8-9 | 3-1 (2-0 vs. Falcons, 1-1 vs. Buccaneers) | 6-6 |
Falcons | 7-9 | 1-3 (0-2 vs. Panthers, 1-1 vs. Buccaneers) | 6-5 |
If the Falcons beat the Saints, that will create a three-way tie at 8-9. The Panthers would win the division in that situation attributable to having one of the best head-to-head file amongst all three groups.
Meaning the Panthers will clinch the division title if the Falcons beat the Saints. However, the Buccaneers can be cheering arduous for the Saints, as a result of Tampa Bay will win the division if New Orleans pulls off a win or tie. In that situation, the Bucs and Panthers would end in a two-way tie at 8-9. If that occurs, Tampa Bay would win the division because of the common-games tiebreaker.
If the Falcons had misplaced to the Rams on Monday night time, then the Buccaneers would have clinched the division title with their Week 18 win over Carolina.
The truth that Baker Mayfield now has to cheer for the Saints is sort of hilarious contemplating simply two months in the past, he made it very clear he would not like them.
The group that finally ends up successful the NFC South will go into the postseason because the fourth seed and host both the Rams, Seahawks or 49ers within the opening spherical of the playoffs. Though which may sound like a good matchup for a kind of three NFC West groups, do not forget: The Buccaneers beat the Seahawks and 49ers this 12 months, whereas the Panthers beat the Rams.
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