Carolina Panthers

Panthers: NFC South Overview - Week 10

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

How did teams from the NFC South Division fare during Week 10 of the NFL season and how it relates to the Carolina Panthers…

Nov 13, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs at the line of scrimage in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

After winning two games in a row, the Carolina Panthers appeared in position to win their third straight on Sunday. Surging to a 17-0 lead, Carolina allowed 20 unanswered points (17 in the fourth quarter alone) before falling to the Chiefs on a last second field goal. Had the Panthers won, it is possible they could have been only one game removed from first place in the division by weeks’ end.

However, that is now in the past and while it seems far-fetched the loss has not eliminated the Panthers from playoff contention. A win in Week 11 will continue to keep them in contention. Tampa Bay was the only team to escape last week with a victory, as every team from the division remains in the hunt for the championship.

Continue to view each teams’ outcome from Week 10 and a preview of the week ahead.

Nov 13, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) drops a pass on fourth down as Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) and free safety Rodney McLeod (23) defend in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia defeated Atlanta 24-15. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

ATLANTA FALCONS (6-4), 1st Place

Week 10 Outcome: Falcons 15, Eagles 24

Week 11 Opponent: BYE

The Atlanta offense was stymied on Sunday in Philadelphia. Only scoring one offensive touchdown, the Falcons failed to contain Ryan Matthews and the Eagles. As Philadelphia extended their home winning streak the NFC South division cheered. However, only one team was able to capitalize on the leader stumbling against the Eagles.

As the Falcons enter their bye week at 6-4, they sit atop the division. Facing arguably the toughest schedule in the NFL, Atlanta has to be pleased with their current situation. The bad news for the birds is that veteran tight end Jacob Tamme has been lost for the season, but running back Tevin Coleman should return following the off week.

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) reacts to a touchdown scored by running back Doug Martin (not pictured) against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-5), 2nd Place

Week 10 Outcome: Buccaneers 36, Bears 10

Week 11 Opponent: at Kansas City Chiefs (7-2), 1:00pm

Just when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appeared to be falling out of playoff contention they get a gift in their schedule. After losing a tough game to the Falcons in Week Nine, the Chicago Bears came to town. The Bucs rolled over the Bears and are currently in second place among the division.

If Jameis Winston and company can find a way to beat the Chiefs in Arrowhead on Sunday, they could make things interesting moving forward. With Atlanta on a bye, the Bucs could make up two games in only two weeks time and even their record at 5-5 on the season.

Nov 13, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) on the bench during the game against the Denver Broncos in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Broncos won, 25-23. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (4-5), 3rd Place

Week 10 Outcome: Saints 23, Broncos 25

Week 11 Opponent: at Carolina Panthers (3-6), 8:25pm*

Almost simultaneously on Sunday, both the Saints and Panthers were letting victories slip away. Both went from possible victory to defeat in a matter of seconds and each will be hungry for a win this week. The only divisional game on the schedule, the Saints are looking to sweep the season series from Carolina.

Faced with a favorable schedule for the remainder of the year, if New Orleans can find a way to win in Caroilna, they could begin a playoff push this week. However, New Orleans typically doesn’t perform as well on the road and the Panthers are looking to avenge an earlier loss.

*Thursday Night

Nov 13, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Kansas City Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos (5) celebrates with punter Dustin Colquitt (2) after kicking the game winning field goal at the end of the fourth quarter. The Chiefs defeated the Panthers 20-17 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

CAROLINA PANTHERS (3-6), 4th Place

Week 10 Outcome: Panthers 17, Chiefs 20

Week 11 Opponent: vs. New Orleans Saints (4-5), 8:25pm*

After letting a win slip away on Sunday, the Panthers are faced with a quick turnaround before their next game. Now facing a divisional rival, Carolina’s season seemingly hangs in the balance. Despite losing six games to this point, the possibility remains of a potential playoff push.

Likewise, outside of last season’s Super Bowl, Sunday was one of the most heart breaking losses in recent memory. As previously mentioned, two wins this week would have Carolina only one game out of the division lead. Obviously that was not to be the case, but it proves how the division can change over a short period of time.

With only six games remaining after their tilt with New Orleans, the window of opportunity is closing fast in Carolina.

*Thursday Night