Carolina sits on top of the NFC South with a 3-4 record. The only reason the Panthers hold this spot is because Tampa Bay beat Atlanta without completing a single pass. This strange result puts the Bucs in a position where they need to win just one more game to retake the lead.
Baker Mayfield threw three passes on Sunday and hit none of them. That is a first for the league since 1974, per reports. Tampa Bay’s 324 total yards were almost exclusively generated by the ground game, with running backs Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell accounting for 310 of them in the victory. The end zone was reached by Irving, who carried the ball 52 times. Michael Penix Jr played, but Atlanta missed the chance to take the top spot. He was named Offensive Player of the Week last week.
The Run Game Carried The Bucs
Tampa Bay did not rush for 324 yards by accident. The blocking around Irving and Gainwell was just as important as the ball carriers. Rookie Bauer Sharp showed exactly why the organization moved up in the draft to get him. To add blockers, the Buccaneers frequently utilized 12 and 13 personnel while relying heavily on multiple tight end formations. While Cade Otton participated in 95% of the offensive snaps, Payne Durham took part in 70%.
The wide receivers played their part too. The Buccaneers traded up 10 spots in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Sharp. The decision to select Sharp looks increasingly worthwhile.
Falcons Need A Big Trade
Atlanta has a hole in the receiving corps that needs filling. Drake London leads the group with 39 receptions for 624 yards. Jahan Dotson added 14 catches for 337 yards. The group lacks consistent production behind these leading options. Kayshon Boutte could offer another outside threat. In 2025, New England saw him catch 33 passes for 551 yards and score six touchdowns. His 2025 numbers average an impressive 16.7 yards per catch.
New Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham hates that the team had only five draft picks in 2026. ESPN’s Marc Raimondi expects the Falcons to avoid sacrificing valuable picks for short-term help. “Don’t give up valuable future assets. New Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham hated that the team had only five draft picks in 2026. He vowed that the franchise would never have that few again,” Raimondi said. If Houston agrees to a modest offer, Boutte’s affordable contract could still render him an attractive option.
The Next Test Is Huge
The Panthers are just half a game away from the Buccaneers or Falcons in the standings. Offensive lineman Brady Christensen, who is dealing with a hamstring issue, now has the opportunity to practice as the window has opened. Although Carolina holds a half-game lead entering Week 8, that advantage remains fragile. The Denver Broncos will play at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Nov. 8. The Kansas City Chiefs were handed a huge loss by Denver. The Broncos have struggled in early Sunday games on the East Coast, going 10-16 since 2015, per Yahoo Sports.
