What is the state of the NFC South division heading into Week 13?

Week 13 has officially split the NFC South's four teams into two very different directions. The New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons are all but mathematically eliminated from postseason contention and are now leaning into their future. Development, evaluations, and long-term decisions have taken priority as both franchises look ahead to what comes next.

The division race now belongs to only two teams. The Buccaneers and the Panthers remain locked in a tight fight for first place in the NFC South. Each team wins in a completely different way, but both control their own path as the regular season moves into its most crucial stretch.

For Tampa Bay, momentum has been anything but building, with rough seas ahead and uncertainty at quarterback. The return of Bucky Irving gives the backfield a much-needed spark, and there is growing optimism that Chris Godwin could also be trending back toward availability. Baker Mayfield may not play this week, leaving Teddy Bridgewater with the first team reps in practice, but even with that uncertainty, the Buccaneers remain the masters of their own sea voyage at this point in the season.

Carolina continues to lean on one of the stronger run games in the division, or at least when they do, they win. When the Panthers stay committed to pounding the rock, they are tough to deal with. When they drift away from that identity, the game can quickly get out of hand. Discipline also became a storyline last week after Trevon Moehrig struck a San Francisco 49ers wideout during Monday Night Football. Moehrig will miss the Panthers' next game, creating a central hole on an already injured defense as the division race tightens.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5)

Tampa Bay remains in complete control of the division race. The offense could receive an immediate boost with Bucky Irving back in the lineup, and the potential return of Chris Godwin would raise the ceiling of the passing game. The quarterback position remains the biggest question, but regardless of who takes the first snap, Tampa Bay still controls its own outcome in the NFC South. Defensive and offensive cohesion is key; both sides of the ball have to become much more consistent.

Next three games

Week 13: vs Arizona CardinalsWeek 14: vs New Orleans SaintsWeek 15: vs Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers (6-6)

Carolina is dangerous when its run game is setting the tone. That identity has carried them through several key wins this season. When the Panthers move away from that physical approach, momentum can swing quickly against them. The loss of Trevon Moehrig for the upcoming game only adds more pressure on the rest of the defense to hold firm.

Next three games

Week 13: vs Los Angeles RamsWeek 14: Bye WeekWeek 15: at New Orleans Saints

Atlanta Falcons (4-7)

Atlanta is now firmly in evaluation mode. With playoff hopes fading, the final stretch of the season is about development and roster clarity. The offense has shown flashes at times, but consistency remains the issue as the Falcons shift into long-term planning. Injuries to key players were the ultimate season-ender for this franchise.

Next three games

Week 13: at New York JetsWeek 14: vs Seattle SeahawksWeek 15: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

New Orleans Saints (2-9)

The Saints are focused on the future. With only two wins on the season, the remainder of the schedule serves as an evaluation period for young players and depth pieces. The emphasis should now be more on long-term stability than on immediate wins.

Next three games

Week 13: at Miami DolphinsWeek 14: at Tampa Bay BuccaneersWeek 15: vs Carolina Panthers

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: What is the state of the NFC South heading into Week 13?