NFC South Week 16 review, Saints clinch, Bucs roll, Falcons Falcon

Here’s what went down in Week 16.

The New Orleans Saints are NFC South champions again. Their most recent win clinched their fourth consecutive division title.

Here’s what went down in Week 16.

Saints (11-4) beat Vikings (6-9), 52-33

Call it a revenge game for two recent heartbreaking playoff losses if you want, what New Orleans did to Minnesota in the trenches on Christmas sent a message: they may have lost their previous two games but this Saints team is not going anywhere. The offensive line – especially right tackle Ryan Ramczyk – crushed the Vikings, helping Alvin Kamara to a ludicrous line of 155 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 22 carries.

Their defense had some issues with Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson, but they’ll do that to a lot of people. While they don’t look quite as complete as the Packers, this is still a serious contender. The Saints will finish the regular season on the road against the Panthers.

Buccaneers (10-5) beat Lions (5-10), 47-7

This total domination administered by Tom Brady and company on Saturday was about as decisive as wins get at this level. Detroit kept trying to play man defense against Tampa’s star-studded offensive playmakers and the result was an embarrassing blowout. Mike Evans led the way with 10 catches, 181 yards and two touchdowns.

Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown and Rob Gronkowski also did their part. It helped that Matthew Stafford was injured in the first quarter, but the Bucs defense was also more solid than it had been of late. Tampa’s last game is at home against the Falcons.

Falcons (4-11) lost to Chiefs (14-1), 17-14

Atlanta should have won this game. They played brilliantly on defense the entire afternoon, confounding Patrick Mahomes and limiting him to just two touchdowns, one pick and a 79.5 passer rating. Losing has a way of seeping into a team’s soul, though. Somehow, the Falcons managed to blow another close one. Kicker Younghoe Koo missed a chip shot field goal in the last minute that could have sent the game to overtime.

Koo is still at 94.6% for the season, so it’s tough to blame him too much. He and Calvin Ridley (five catches, 130 yards) are two sensational young players who should help Atlanta get back on track next year. Hopefully Raheem Morris will be coaching them.

Panthers (5-10) beat Washington (6-9), 20-13

There’s not much left to say about this one. While it’s technically a win, it’s beyond frustrating to see the team’s the offensive regression just as the defense is finally starting to hit its stride. Upgrades at tight end and left tackle would help. About 80% of the problem is at QB, though.

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