Atlanta and Tampa Bay move to 4-2 and remain atop the division. The Panthers and Saints continue to be in turmoil as both defenses were torn apart over the weekend. The division stands at 11-13 overall, and halfway through the second quarter of the season, it appears we are headed for a two-team race.

Here’s the review of Week 6 of the NFC South.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)

Week 6 result: Buccaneers 51 – Saints 27

Week 7 opponents: Baltimore Ravens

Tampa Bay had a wild first half in which the defense gave up 27 points in the second quarter. The offense started sloppy, turning the ball over too often and giving the Saints offense too many opportunities. The second half was a completely different story. Tampa Bay scored 27 points and held New Orleans to zero. The Buccaneers moved the ball on the ground with Sean Tucker and Bucky Irving and had 277 total yards. Chris Godwin continued his impressive season, recording two touchdowns and 125 receiving yards.

The Buccaneers are still dealing with a handful of injuries, but the team has proven itself and is a threat for the division title. Tampa Bay has a tough schedule ahead of them and it starts at home against a deadly Baltimore Ravens team led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.

New Orleans Saints (2-4)

Week 6 result: Saints 27 – Buccaneers 51

Week 7 opponents: Denver Broncos

What a colossal loss it was for the New Orleans Saints. Too bad.

After it looked like they had found their spark in the first half, those good feelings quickly evaporated as the teams returned to the field. New Orleans wasn’t able to score until the second quarter, largely due to a few great turnovers by the Buccaneers. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler made his debut and completed 55% of his passes for 243 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The freshman was asked to throw the ball 40 times, which usually spelled disaster. The offense and defense are crumbling and everyone is looking for answers.

The Saints haven’t won a football game since Sept. 15, and their once-soft midseason schedule is no longer guaranteed to result in success. New Orleans faces an opportunistic 3-3 Broncos team that has prevailed against all of its opponents.

Carolina Panthers (1-5)

Week 6 result: Panthers 20 – Falcons 38

Week 7 opponents: Washington commanders

The Panthers find themselves in familiar territory – a jungle with no poaching laws. Like New Orleans, Carolina initially came close but was outgunned in the second half. Chuba Hubbard is the team’s only consistent offense, and they can’t feed him as often as they’d like because the defense can’t stop a nosebleed. Andy Dalton’s momentum has waned, and the Panthers are now 1-3 with him under center.

To make matters worse, the offense was still far more effective with Dalton than with Bryce Young. The team will probably give Young another chance since they have nothing to lose, but the reality is that no Superman is coming to save them. Carolina is dealing with every problem imaginable and is in last place in the division with an 0-2 start.

How long before we see another infamous tantrum from David Tepper? Hopefully local Charlotte restaurants have their hostesses ready for battle.

Atlanta Falcons (4-2)

Week 6 result: Falcons 38 – Panthers 20

Week 7 opponents: Seattle Seahawks

The Falcons continue their impressive streak, taking a 3-0 lead in the division after picking up a win against the Panthers. Atlanta’s run defense allowed the Panthers to keep up for a moment, but Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier helped the Falcons to an 18-point win, the largest point differential of their season. Atlanta had to come out and take a commanding win after only photo finishes.

The team is 4-2 with a 4-0 record against the NFC. Atlanta faces a bigger challenge this week with Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks coming to town. If the Falcons want a chance at a higher playoff seeding, this is a game that will help them achieve that goal. Atlanta is in full control of the division, but with Tampa Bay hot on their trail, any misstep could cause them to lose control.

Tampa Bay and Atlanta are getting the start both teams were hoping for, while New Orleans and Carolina are struggling to get out of the trash heap. The NFC South may not be a powerhouse, but its current leaders look as good as most in the NFC. We’ll have a better idea of ​​the playoffs in a few weeks, but the Falcons and Buccaneers are prepared to pull some upsets heading into the season’s halfway point.