The NFC South has a history of producing unexpected division champions, giving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons little reason to surrender ground so early in the campaign.
Both teams enter Sunday’s Week 8 meeting in Tampa with significant stakes, even as the standings suggest a difficult climb.
Tampa Bay (2-5) revived its season last week with a dominant 43-13 road victory over the Carolina Panthers. The Buccaneers rushed for 258 yards, and quarterback Baker Mayfield made his return after recovering from a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand.
Under head coach Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay has navigated slow starts before, capturing the NFC South title each year from 2022 through 2024 despite dipping below .500 in November each time.
Tampa Bay’s bid for another division crown may depend on its success against NFC South opponents, particularly an Atlanta squad that has won five of the last seven matchups. Most recently, the Falcons prevailed 29-28 last December, with tight end Kyle Pitts hauling in 11 receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns.
“He’s torched us pretty good over the last few games,” Bowles said of Pitts. “We have to do a better job. He’s a tremendous athlete and player, but we need to improve defensively.”
Mayfield eased back into action last week, completing 7 of 11 passes for 64 yards and one touchdown. The 31-year-old has recorded 17 touchdowns and four interceptions across seven career games versus Atlanta, though he remains winless at home against the Falcons in three attempts.
Mayfield is also eager to secure Tampa Bay’s first home win of the season. The Buccaneers are 0-4 at Raymond James Stadium.
“We’re very eager to win at home,” Mayfield said. “It’s not just about that. Obviously, this division is incredibly important, but we need to regain our momentum at home. … These teams know each other well. We know the Falcons’ defense plays aggressively. When they recognize plays, they make plays on the ball.”
The Falcons (3-4) also revived their season last Sunday, defeating the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers 29-20 at home. Atlanta’s defense forced four turnovers, and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. recorded his second consecutive game with three touchdown passes.
Penix, named NFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, has thrown for 1,157 yards and nine touchdowns in five games since returning from a partially torn ACL that ended his 2025 season. The 26-year-old Tampa native enters the homecoming matchup in the midst of the finest stretch of his career.
“It’s awesome,” Penix said of receiving the conference weekly honor. “You can’t do that alone. It reflects the teammates around me and everyone in this building. They make my job easier, but it’s a tremendous award, and I’m grateful for it.”
Penix has not thrown an interception since his third pass of the season against Green Bay on Sept. 24.
Atlanta faces a formidable Tampa Bay run defense that ranks second in the league, allowing just 77.3 rushing yards per game.
“They’re outstanding. The tape jumps out at you,” Atlanta coach Kevin Stefanski said of Tampa Bay’s defense. “The statistics grab your attention, and when you watch the film, it confirms the numbers. They’re tough to run against and tough to throw against. It’s a great challenge.”
Atlanta running back Brian Robinson (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, joining cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring) and linebacker Divine Deablo (forearm) as non-participants.
Tampa Bay running back Kenneth Gainwell (hip), who rushed for a season-high 88 yards against Carolina, also did not practice Wednesday. Offensive tackle Luke Goedeke (calf) sat out as well.
