Coming into Week 14, the Atlanta Falcons were in first place (based on tie-breakers) with an identical 7-5 record to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons hosted the Rams while the Bucs hosted the division-rival Saints. Carolina, in fourth place, hosted the AFC West San Diego Chargers.
So what happened in Week 14?
The Saints were the only NFC South team to lose this week, losing 11-16. Carolina beat San Diego 16-28, and the Falcons embarrassed the Rams to the tune of 42-14. This meant the Bucs and Falcons kept pace at the top of the division at 8-5 with the Panthers and Saints now tied at 5-8.