Carolina Panthers

Panthers: NFC South Overview - Week 3

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

foxsports

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

Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is chased out of the pocket by Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) and defensive end Brian Robison (96) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers offense was smothered by the visiting Vikings on Sunday, ending the longest home winning streak in the league. With their record now below .500 for the first time since 2014, the focus turns to a divisional matchup against the Atlanta Falcons next week.

One divisional game was on the schedule this week, a Monday Night Football prime time affair between the Falcons and Saints. Atlanta and the offense dominated, putting the Falcons in sole possession of first place early in the season.

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

Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates while leaving the field after defeating the New Orleans Saints 45-32 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

ATLANTA FALCONS (2-1)

Week 3 Outcome: Falcons 45, Saints 32

Week 4 Opponent: vs. Carolina Panthers, 1:00pm

The Atlanta Falcons offense dominated on Monday night despite All-Pro receiver Julio Jones having little impact. After dropping the season opener to divisional rival Tampa Bay the Falcons have rebounded with two wins, taking sole possession of first place. Last year, Atlanta was the only team to defeat the Panthers during the regular season and will be hoping to build off of that momentum come Sunday.

It will be the first divisional game for the Panthers as they hope to maintain a stronghold on the division. A Falcons victory on Sunday could announce a changing of the guard for the 2016 season.

Sep 25, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) runs with the ball as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) defends during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1-2)

Week 3 Outcome: Buccaneers 32, Rams 37

Week 4 Opponent: vs. Denver Broncos, 4:05pm

After winning the season opener over Atlanta, the Buccaneers have dropped two straight. Hoping to remain in the race, the Bucs will need a strong showing against the defending Super Bowl champion Broncos next week at home. Throughout all three games Tampa Bay has shown signs of improvement and it should continue as the season progresses. Divisional games down the stretch could play a role on where the Buccaneers end the season.

That stretch includes three divisional games in four weeks which could swing the final standings. These continued signs of improvement could pay dividends in the end if Tampa Bay can hold on until that point.

Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) argues a no call in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of America Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 22-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-2)

Week 3 Outcome: Panthers 10, Vikings 22

Week 4 Opponent: at Atlanta Falcons, 1:00pm

Sporting a losing record for the first time in over a year, the Panthers hope to rebound on the road next week. After winning the division for the past three seasons, Carolina can continue its divisional dominance with a strong showing on Sunday. Atlanta will be looking to knock off the reigning NFC South champions and hold their current spot atop the rankings, making for an interesting matchup.

The Panthers have faced two of the top defenses in the league early in the season between Denver and Minnesota. Scheduling favors the Panthers and the next three weeks should help to sort out where teams will end the season. Divisional opponents make up the next three games, beginning on Sunday in Atlanta.

Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) tries to avoid a sack in the fourth quarter by Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Falcons won 45-32. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-3)

Week 3 Outcome: Saints 32, Falcons 45

Week 4 Opponent: at San Diego Chargers, 4:25pm

Despite good offensive numbers, the Saints have struggled to find a win in 2016. Monday night presented one of the best opportunities, being at home against an inexperienced defense. However, the Falcons offense proved to be too powerful leading to yet another loss. New Orleans will look to rebound on the road next week but faces a difficult task in traveling across the country to play a resilient Chargers team.

If the New Orleans Saints hope to turn the season around, they need victories quickly. A continued losing streak could spell the end of the season early, but there is hope. Many injured defenders should be returning soon and Brees will keep the offense on track.