On Sunday night, the Atlanta Falcons lost to the Washington Commanders in overtime and no longer have control of the NFC South. The Falcons’ fate now rests with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers entering the final week of the 2024 season.
The Buccaneers, who will be heavily favored next week against the New Orleans Saints, could clinch the division with a win at home in Week 18. The Falcons must beat the Panthers and hope the Saints pull off a miracle in Tampa Bay.
NFC South standings: Week 18
| Pos | Team | Record | Div Record | Games Back | Next Opponent |
| 1 | Buccaneers | 9-7 | 3-2 | – | vs Saints |
| 2 | Falcons | 8-8 | 4-1 | 1 | vs Panthers |
| 3 | Saints | 5-11 | 2-3 | 4 | @ Buccaneers |
| 4 | Panthers | 4-12 | 1-4 | 5 | @ Falcons |
Since the Saints already appear to have their sights set on next season, it’s expected that Tampa will roll as they did against the Panthers in Week 17. There doesn’t seem to be much hope for Atlanta going into their season finale, even with a win.
Had the Falcons made the change at quarterback earlier, we could be having a different conversation next week. However, fans should take solace in the fact that there shouldn’t be any concern at the quarterback spot going forward.