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How the rest of the NFC South fared in Week 15

The division race isn’t quite done yet.

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at New Orleans Saints Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

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.


Green Bay Packers 24, Carolina Panthers 16

The Panthers were given the national spotlight in one of the special Saturday games the NFL showcases at this time of the year, and they were given that matchup against the best team in the NFC.

It was a pretty comfortable evening for the Packers in this one. They got out to a quick 21-3 lead, scoring a touchdown on each of their first three possessions. The offense let up a bit after that barrage while Carolina’s offensive unit woke up near the end of the third quarter, going on a 10-0 scoring run.

The Packers had control throughout the contest, but just like seemingly every week, the Panthers had a chance to go downfield and tie it on their last position before turning it over on downs.

Aaron Rodgers had 143 passing yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. He added 26 rushing yards and a score. Aaron Jones had a game high 145 rushing yards and a score on 20 carries. Allen Lazard was the leading receiver with 56 yards.

Teddy Bridgewater had 258 passing yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions and added a rushing score along with 26 of his own rushing yards. He also lost a fumble. Mike Davis had 59 rushing yards. D.J. Moore had a game high 131 receiving yards.

Kansas City Chiefs 32, New Orleans Saints 29

The Chiefs and the Saints met in the most anticipated matchup of Week 15, and it was Kansas City who left New Orleans continuing their rampage against the entire NFL this year.

Following a slow start on their first two drives, KC put together back to back touchdown scoring drives at the back end of the first quarter to run out to a 14-0 lead. The Saints didn’t go away quietly, however, scoring 15 unanswered points to take the lead early in the third quarter.

Patrick Mahomes helped put together three more scoring drives over the course of the second half to outlast the Saints. With possession and a 3-point lead following the 2-minute warning, the Chiefs did what they do best, attacking a defense through the air, to deliver the decisive knockout as opposed to being conservative.

Mahomes threw for 254 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Clyde Edwards-Helaire was the leading rusher with 79 yards. Travis Kelce had 68 yards and a score.

Drew Brees threw for 234 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Alvin Kamara had 94 yards from scrimmage and a receiving touchdown. Emmanuel Sanders had a game high 76 receiving yards.

Standings after Week 15

1. New Orleans Saints (10-4 overall record; 5-0 division record) - Next vs. Vikings (Friday)

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5 overall record; 3-2 division record) - Next at Lions

3. Atlanta Falcons (4-10 overall record; 1-4 division record) - Next at Chiefs

4. Carolina Panthers (4-10 overall record; 1-4 division record) - Next at Football Team