Falcons division rival falling apart already after 3 games

After three weeks of games, the NFC South is predictably wide open. As it was at the end of the 2025 season, there's a three-way tie at the top of the division - and all three of them are a game under .500.

That would be the Carolina Panthers , Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints , who all enter Week 4 with a 1-2 record.

The one exception to the rule is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , who have gotten off to a horrendous start this year. Following Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings , the Bucs are now 0-3 on the season - and things may be about to get even worse.

That's because starting quarterback Baker Mayfield reportedly suffered a dislocated thumb in Sunday's game. There's no word yet if he'll be available for Tampa 's next game, which comes at home against the Green Bay Packers . After that they'll have a short week where they'll pay a visit to the Dallas Cowboys .

If Mayfield isn't healthy and back on point by then, you can probably stick a fork in the Buccaneers - even though they're playing in the weakest division in the NFL.

With former Falcons offensive coordinator Zach Robinson calling the plays, Mayfield's production has suffered this season compared to the last few years, which have been mostly positive.

So far Mayfield has thrown for just 615 passing yards in three starts, totaling two touchdowns, two interceptions and an 80.0 passer rating, his worst mark since 2022 with the Panthers. To add insult to injury, the Bucs just signed Mayfield to a new contract that included $70 million guaranteed.

The Falcons are scheduled to visit the Buccaneers in Week 8 and then host them in Week 16.