NEW ORLEANS -- Atlanta's 23-19 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday gave the Carolina Panthers their third consecutive NFC South title before they faced the New Orleans Saints.
No NFC South team prior to last season had won consecutive division crowns.
Atlanta and Tampa Bay now are tied for second in the division at 6-6.
The Panthers (11-0) entered their game against the Saints with a two-game lead over Arizona for the best record in the NFC in the battle for home field-advantage throughout the playoffs.