Which NFC South Team Will Remain Unbeaten After Week 3?

Who will remain unbeaten and who will descend in the NFC South after Week 3?

In the preseason power rankings, NFL analysts criticized the NFC South division as mediocre.  After two weeks of game action, the NFC South is the only division with three 2-0 teams.  Today, the unblemished Saints, Bucs, and Falcons have challenging contests that could drop all from the unbeaten ranks.  Even so, New Orleans has a better chance of winning at Lambeau Field, while the Bucs and Falcons face more formidable opponents. SI Sportsbook gave us Week 3 odds and predictions on the NFC South matchups.  Let's give you ours at SNN.

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Sep 17, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles vs. Buccaneers on MNF

Philadelphia is a 4.5-point favorite. Last season's Super Bowl runner-ups are producing the fourth-most points per game at 29.5 ppg.  However, they have the second-worst secondary, which the Baker Mayfield to Mike Evans connection could exploit.  On the flip side, the Bucs' defense could be short-handed with injuries to Vita Vea (pec), Carlton Davis III (toe), and Ryan Neal (ribs).  Expect Jalen Hurts and the Eagles running game with 250 rushing yards last week to pound the football on the ailing Bucs defense.  Baker Mayfield is 1-4 on Monday Night Football games.

SNN Prediction: Bucs fall to 2-1.

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Sep 17, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta vs. Lions

Detroit's Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn have NFC South pedigree from their days in New Orleans.  The Lions are a 3.5-point favorite to win at home against the visiting Falcons.  Second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder leads the Falcons' offense against the Lions' defense, allowing 5.9 yards per play and 45.5% on third-down conversions.  Allegier and Robinson could neutralize the Lions' passing attack on their young quarterback.  Jared Goff and the Detroit offense at home will get it roaring, especially during crunch time this season.

SNN Prediction: Falcons get roasted, down 2-1

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Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts with wide receiver Chris Olave (12) in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Saints vs. Packers

The New Orleans offense still needs to put together a complete game with Derek Carr.  Currently, Vegas has Green Bay as a 1.5-point favorite.  It will be up to Pete Carmichael to rely on Carr more against the Packers since placing Jamaal Williams on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.  Running backs Kendre Miller and Tony Jones Jr. will get help from Taysom Hill in the rushing phase for New Orleans.

Last week, the Packers surrendered 87 rushing yards to the Falcons.  The Saints' offensive line is better at opening running lanes than pass blocking early in the season.  Chris Olave and Michael Thomas will be too tough to handle. CB Jaire Alexander is questionable with a back injury.  Could we see more Juwan Johnson and Jimmy Graham ready to make the Lambeau Leap?

Jordan Love will have his issues today against a Joe Woods defense that allows just 160 passing yards per game, one touchdown, and a 46.8% completion rate to opposing quarterbacks.  Defensive end Carl Granderson's freshly inked massive contract extension has yet to dry thoroughly, whereas the tenacious Saints defensive line and their four sacks hope to stack several more on Love.

SNN Prediction: Saints remain unbeaten at 3-0

Don't get me wrong, Bucs and Falcons fans, I believe the Eagles and Lions are primed and ready for an upset.  Although, the Saints are the stronger team thanks to their defense's ability to provide favorable field position to their offense.  Despite Jordan Love's best efforts, the Saints will make it a long day for the Packers starting signal-caller.  New Orleans wins on the road, 31-21, to stand on top of the NFC South at 3-0.