NFC South unsurprisingly receives lowly placement among NFL's 8 divisions
NFC South unsurprisingly receives lowly placement among NFL's 8 divisions
Tim Weaver, Panthers WireWed, July 15, 2026 at 5:20 PM UTC
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There is at least one positive takeaway from the Carolina Panthers' schedule for the 2026 season—which is otherwise much tougher than it was in 2025. And it's that they still have the easiest path to the playoffs thanks to the weakness of their own division.
In a new ranking of all eight divisions around the league, Nick Shook at NFL.com has put the NFC South dead last on his list, as is appropriate. He began his breakdown of the group with the reigning champs:
All it took to take home the NFC South crown in 2025 was an 8-9 record. Yep, that's where the division's reputation stands as we enter 2026: in the cellar. Now, we shouldn't take this group lightly, because there's plenty of room for surprise. Carolina filled that role in 2025, overcoming a 1-3 start and posting a 7-6 finish to win the division by virtue of a tiebreaker. The division produced a low bar, but the Panthers built plenty of positive momentum in their second season under Dave Canales, showing tangible progress.
There was tangible progress last season, and more of it this offseason when the Panthers went out of their way to upgrade their defensive front seven in free agency. Otherwise, improving the offensive line took center stage, and Carolina is once again spending more than any other team in the NFL on that unit.
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On paper, Carolina improved more than any other NFC South team this year—with one potential asterisk for the Atlanta Falcons and their quarterback situation. If either Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa gives them a strong year, then the Falcons will likely be the team to beat in this division. If not, then it should be the Panthers' to lose—even though that's saying much.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who sat atop the division from 2021 to 2024, are currently the odds-on favorite to take the throne in 2026. The New Orleans Saints, meanwhile, may be on an upward trajectory after an impressive nine-game showing from starting quarterback Tyler Shough in his rookie campaign.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL division rankings: NFC South places last ahead of 2026
Source: “AOL Sports”
