It’s common knowledge in sports that if you take care of your own business, you don’t have to worry about anybody else as far as the standings are concerned.

While this is entirely true, getting some help along the way is never a bad thing. This column will be completely dedicated to the results of the other three NFC South teams throughout the season; hopefully we’ll be able to bask in their failures together.

This article series’ sole purpose will be to take a look at the weekly performances of the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers and to look at how the NFC South is shaping up week in and week out.

New Orleans Saints 26, Chicago Bears 23

In a game where a double digit comeback and an extra overtime period was was needed, the New Orleans Saints pulled out a victory against the Bears in windy Soldier Field. Nick Foles had his opportunity to pull out a win in this one, but his continued below average play has Chicago crashing back to earth a bit.

The Bears pressed all the right buttons throughout the majority of the first half and, with the aid of a missed Wil Lutz kick, nursed a 13-3 lead before a quick Saints touchdown drive closed that gap going into halftime.

That touchdown was the beginning of a 20-0 New Orleans run which flipped the script and gave them a double digit lead of their own. Their final score to cap that run was answered masterfully by the Bears, who scored 10 points on their final two offensive drives in regulation to force overtime.

In the extra period, each team exchanged punts on their first possessions, before the Saints marched downfield and set Lutz up for a game-winning 35-yard field goal.

Drew Brees had 280 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and no interceptions. Alvin Kamara was both the leading rusher and receiver for the Saints, tallying 163 yards from scrimmage.

Nick Foles had 272 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and one interception. David Montgomery was the leading rusher with a season high 89 yards. Allen Robinson had the team lead with 87 receiving yards, along with a touchdown.

NFC South Standings after Week 8

1. New Orleans Saints (5-2 overall record; 2-0 division record) - Next at Buccaneers (SNF)

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2 overall record; 1-1 division record) - Next at Giants (MNF Week 8)

3. Carolina Panthers (3-5 overall record; 1-3 division record) - Next at Chiefs

4. Atlanta Falcons (2-6 overall record; 1-1 division record) - Next vs. Broncos