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NFC South conundrum: Path to the playoffs, biggest hurdles

The NFC South is still up for grabs late in the season for the third straight year, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a legitimate shot to win a fourth straight title.

The Buccaneers have taken advantage of a weak division the past two years (9-8 winner in 2023, 8-9 winner in 2022). Though Tampa Bay has won four straight titles, the Atlanta Falcons are lurking one game back. On Tuesday, Atlanta made a big move by benching quarterback Kirk Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr. The New Orleans Saints have a slim chance of winning the division -- even with a losing record -- and the Carolina Panthers can still play spoiler with two division rivals on their closing schedule.