The Atlanta Falcons headed into Week 8 with a chance to dominate the NFC South but were instead shut out by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to fall to 3-5 for the season.
One week after they pulled off a surprise upset win over the red-hot San Francisco 49ers, the Falcons lost to a Bucs team that didn’t complete a single pass on offense.
On Atlanta’s side, Michael Penix Jr had a brutal game, throwing four interceptions just a few days after winning the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
The heavy rain didn’t help Penix or the Falcons’ defense, which looked a step slower attempting to stop Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Despite an 0-4 start, Tampa Bay is now poised to seize control of the NFC South at 3-5 with wins over the Falcons and the Carolina Panthers in back-to-back weeks.
As the Panthers head into NFL Week 9, they remain first in the division, but their lead over the Bucs is just half a game.
What are NFC South standings heading into NFL Week 9?
Carolina Panthers (3-4)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)
Atlanta Falcons (3-5)
New Orleans Saints (2-5)
In NFL Week 9, the Falcons will play the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday, November 8.
The Bucs will travel to Chicago to play against the Bears on Sunday Night Football.
Whereas the Panthers will host the Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon, while the New Orleans Saints are back in action after a week off and will play host to the Cleveland Browns.
