Atlanta Falcons (6-4) – 1 Game Ahead
Coming off their bye, the Falcons have shifted their attention to their next opponent, the 4-5 Arizona Cardinals, who dropped a 30-24 decision to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Atlanta figures to be in good health after some time off, as RB Tevin Coleman (hamstring) and CB Desmond Trufant (shoulder/pectoral) are expected to practice Monday. Additionally, head coach Dan Quinn said last Monday that he's hopeful P Matt Bosher (hamstring) will practice this week and be ready to take on Arizona at the Georgia Dome.
Remaining Schedule:
*Nov. 27 vs. Cardinals (4-5-1)
Dec. 4 vs. Chiefs (7-3)
Dec. 11 at Rams (4-6)
Dec. 18 vs. 49ers (1-9)
Dec. 24 at Panthers (4-6)
Jan. 1 vs. Saints (4-6)
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Buccaneers (5-5) – 1 Game Back
Tampa Bay is coming off a thrilling 19-17 victory in Kansas City, during which the Bucs staved off a talented and hungry Chiefs squad on the road. Head coach Dirk Koetter's offense shined at Arrowhead Stadium, converting on 11 of 15 third downs and gaining 442 net yards. The Bucs have won two in a row since being trounced by the Falcons in Week 9, and next up, they'll face one of the toughest opponents on their schedule: the 7-2 Seattle Seahawks.
Remaining Schedule:
Nov. 27 vs. Seahawks (7-2)
Dec. 4 at Chargers (4-6)
Dec. 11 vs. Saints (4-6)
Dec. 18 at Cowboys (9-1)
Dec. 24 @ Saints (4-6)
Jan. 1 vs. Panthers (4-6)
New Orleans Saints (4-6) – 2 Games Back
After suffering a heartbreaking, last-minute loss to Denver in Week 10, the Saints dropped their second straight to the Carolina Panthers last Thursday night, falling by the score of 23-20. New Orleans' defense did an admirable job slowing down Cam Newton, but two key turnovers — one interception, one lost fumble — led to 10 Carolina points and ultimately made the difference. Drew Brees and the rest of the Saints will try to rebound next Sunday when the 4-6 Los Angeles Rams visit the Big Easy.
Remaining Schedule:
*Nov. 27 vs. Rams (4-6)
Dec. 4 vs. Lions (6-4)
Dec. 11 at Buccaneers (5-5)
Dec. 18 at Cardinals (4-5-1)
Dec. 24 vs. Buccaneers (5-5)
Jan. 1 at Falcons (6-4)
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Carolina Panthers (4-6) – 2 Games Back
Carolina won a vital division matchup Thursday over New Orleans despite an up-and-down night from its offense. Newton completed 14 of 33 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown, and the Panthers amassed only 50 net rushing yards, but the aforementioned turnovers buoyed them to a much-needed W in front of a national audience. Carolina will attempt to move one game below .500 this week when it travels to Oakland and faces the up-and-coming Raiders, who are 7-2 and lead the AFC West.
Remaining Schedule:
*Nov. 27 at Raiders (7-2)
Dec. 4 at Seahawks (7-2)
Dec. 11 vs. Chargers (4-6)
Dec. 19 at Redskins (6-3)
Dec. 24 vs. Falcons (6-4)
Jan. 1 at Buccaneers (5-5)
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