Will the Atlanta Falcons win before the bye? NFC South Week 9 preview

It’s a big week in the NFC South. The Carolina Panthers look to stay unbeaten when they host the Green Bay Packers, the Atlanta Falcons look to get back on track, the New Orleans Saints look to build on their momentum and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aim to get to .500. Let’s take a look at this week’s games.

Atlanta Falcons (6-2) at San Francisco 49ers (2-6): Sunday at 4:05 p.m. EST

The Atlanta Falcons are looking to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Tampa Bay last week and enter the bye at an impressive 7-2. Victory for Atlanta would surpass last season’s win total and set Dan Quinn’s team up for a playoff push.

But for that to happen, they must protect the football a lot better than we have seen in recent weeks. Four turnovers against the Bucs last week is simply unacceptable, especially considering two were in the red zone. This will be the major point of emphasis this week.

RELATED: Blogging Dirty staff predict Falcons-49ers

A bad season gets even worse for San Francisco. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert, and the injuries are piling up on offense. Running backs Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush are out, which has led to the signing of former New Orleans Saint Pierre Thomas. Wideout Anquan Boldin is doubtful for the game, and tight end Vernon Davis was traded before the deadline.

There’s not much to fear offensively, and it’s a game the Falcons will be expected to win.

Green Bay Packers (6-1) at Carolina Panthers (7-0): Sunday at 1:00 p.m. EST

Oct 19, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) rushes with the football after catching a pass as Carolina Panthers fs Charles Godfrey (30) defends during the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

This is the biggest game in the NFL this week, and could have No. 1 seed ramifications down the stretch. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers were beaten down by the Broncos last week, while the Panthers survived a Colts fightback to remain perfect on the season. 

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Carolina has been gritty all season, leaning on strong defense and the unique ability of Cam Newton. He’s been playing some of his best football this season, extending drives with runs Adrian Peterson would be proud of.

Green Bay has been struggling offensively. Eddie Lacy has done nothing on the ground and the loss of Jordy Nelson seems to be hurting the passing game. The Panthers’ defense isn’t as dominant as the Broncos, but it’s good enough to slow down the Packers.

This one is going to be fun to watch. The Panthers have been accused of beating poor teams this year, now they can knock off one of the best.

Tennessee Titans (1-6) at New Orleans Saints (4-4): Sunday at 1:00 p.m. EST

The Saints have won three on the bounce to pull themselves back into the playoff hunt. A win over the struggling Titans would put them above .500 and right in the mix. Drew Brees threw for an NFL-tying seven touchdowns last week against the Giants, and the Saints will be expected to take down the Titans comfortably at home.

The good news for Tennessee is the return of quarterback Marcus Mariota, who missed the past two games with an MCL sprain. The last rookie passer played in the Superdome was Jameis Winston, and he pulled off the upset. The Saints will be focused on preventing that happening again.

New York Giants (4-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4): Sunday at 4:05 p.m. EST

Both of these teams have played well at times and poorly at others. Eli Manning threw for six touchdowns on the road to New Orleans last week and lost. A similar performance would definitely get the job done this week.

But the Bucs offer more defensively than the Saints, so don’t expect a similar style shootout. Tampa Bay is fresh off the upset victory over Atlanta last week, in a game rookie quarterback Jameis Winston played well. He will be the key to getting the victory at home over a New York team atop the NFC East.