3-5 Panthers face 3-5 Saints for first place in NFC South

Published November 11, 2026 05:12 PM It’s not often that a matchup of two 3-5 teams carries major playoff implications. But it’s also not often that there’s a division as bad as this year’s NFC South.On Sunday in New Orleans, the 3-5 Panthers will take on the 3-5 Saints, and the winner will have sole possession of first place in the NFC South.The Panthers and Saints are currently tied, with the Panthers in first place thanks to a better division record. Sunday’s winner will be 4-5, a game ahead of the loser and also a game ahead of the 3-6 Buccaneers, who have their bye this week. The 3-6 Falcons face the Chiefs, and the betting odds say Atlanta is likely to fall to 3-7 after that game.All four teams in the NFC South are bad, but someone has to win the division, and whoever that “someone” is will host a playoff game.