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File: 6-3 (first in NFC South)
Top fantasy artist: QB Kirk Cousins, 149.82 points
MVP: Cousins
Most important match second half: December 29 at Commanders
The Falcons are almost the team they wanted to be this season. Kirk Cousins, despite his physical limitations after an Achilles injury, was good enough for the Falcons to field a top-10 offense. However, their defense has largely been one of the worst units in the league, which could hurt them in the postseason. For now, Atlanta’s first year under head coach Raheem Morris, who has a strong defensive coaching resume, has been a success and the Falcons are starting to play a more sustainable brand of football.
File: 4-5 (second in NFC South)
Top fantasy artist: QB Baker Mayfield, 211.46 points
MVP: W Chris Godwin
Most important match second half: Nov. 10 vs. 49ers
Tampa Bay lost the war of attrition this year. The Bucs had one of the best offenses in the league before losing Chris Godwin for the season and Mike Evans for a few weeks. They will have to navigate the second half of the season with a new approach. Their season is certainly not over and without those guys they may have enough offense to get something going, but it will certainly be tough.
File: 2-7 (third in NFC South)
Top fantasy artist: RB Chuba Hubbard, 124.30 points
MVP: Hubbard
Most important match second half: December 1 vs. Buccaneers
This year was a disaster for the Panthers, showing very little signs of life as they tested their former No. 1 overall draft pick Bryce Young. The defense was bad, the offense was bad and rookie head coach Dave Canales’ roster was routinely dominated this season. One of the few saving graces was the performance of running back Chuba Hubbard, who was a breakout star in difficult circumstances. Getting a win over the Saints with Young looking serviceable is the only reason this isn’t an F.
File: 2-7 (fourth in NFC South)
Top fantasy artist: RB Alvin Kamara, 167.70 points
MVP: Kamara
Most important match second half: Nov. 10 vs. Falcons
It looked like the Saints would take the league by storm in the first two weeks of the season. Since that blistering start, they have lost seven straight games on their way to becoming one of the worst teams in the NFL. They are injured, lack consistent passing and fired head coach Dennis Allen this week. If they want to have any chance of saving their season, they need to win the next game against the Falcons – and several more after that. With the bleak salary cap outlook, how good is this job at attracting high-profile head coaching candidates?
