Don't look now, but the New Orleans Saints are gaining ground in the NFC South race. Just two weeks ago, the Saints were eyeing a top-five pick in next year's NFL draft, and the division crown seemed a long way away. While fans may still be watching the draft, they should also keep an eye on the top of the league.
Darren Rizzi replaced Dennis Allen and won two straight games against the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns. The Saints and Carolina Panthers have won their last two games, while the Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have lost their last two games.
Things are much tighter in the NFC South than they were a few weeks ago, but the standings look similar. Let's take a look at how the NFC South has fared over the last 11 weeks.
1. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)
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Point difference: -30
Sales difference: -3
Next opponent: against Los Angeles Chargers
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Point difference: +13
Sales difference: 0
Next opponent: @New York Giants
3. New Orleans Saints (4-7)
Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Point difference: +2
Sales difference: 2
Next opponent: vs. Los Angeles Rams (Dec. 1)
4. Carolina Panthers (3-7)
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Point difference: -143
Sales difference: 0
Next opponent: against Kansas City Chiefs