​Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales reacts in the secound half against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect There’s nothing like NFC South football. It is reserved for only the most tormented fans. Trying to predict who comes out on top this year? You’ve got better luck predicting the Powerball numbers. Here’s the Week 1 NFC South Review:Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1)Week 1 Result: Buccaneers 27 – Bengals 33Week 2 Opponent: Cleveland BrownsThe Buccaneers signed Baker Mayfield to a hefty extension that ties him to the team for four years earlier in the week. He did not reward them for it. Mayfield had a costly fumble that was returned for a touchdown and ended the game with no passing touchdowns and an ADoT (average depth of target) of 4.7. His rushing touchdown kept it close, but the offense’s sloppy day (4 lost fumbles) cost them the game. BENGALS WITH THE SCOOP AND SCORE!!!TBvsCIN on FOX/FOX OneStream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/XV5FjYppBP— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2026Todd Bowles’ defense managed to get a pick-six but was otherwise ineffective. That includes 1st-round pick Ruben Bain, who finished the game with 41 snaps but zero sacks or pressures. Tampa Bay will host the Browns in their home opener next week, who are coming off a tough loss of their own.New Orleans Saints (0-1)Week 1 Result: Saints 30 – Lions 31 Week 2 Opponent: Baltimore RavensTHE SAINTS CAN’T CONVERT THE TWO-POINT TRY AND THE LIONS WIN IT IN OVERTIME!WHAT A FINISH IN DETROIT! pic.twitter.com/u7OYvAgUHI— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 13, 2026The Saints lost a nail-biter in overtime after they failed to convert their 2-point attempt. Tyler Shough and the offense looked completely discombobulated up until midway through the 3rd quarter. Once they started firing on all cylinders, the touchdowns came in bunches. It was at this point that the Saints defense started to malfunction and, after a strong start, couldn’t keep the Lions out of the end zone. The Saints have the potential to be a good team if they clean up their act; if not, their volatility will be their undoing. They’ll travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens, who had a commanding win over the Colts.Carolina Panthers (0-1)Week 1 Result: Panthers 37 – Bears 59Week 2 Opponent: Atlanta FalconsThe Panthers offense put up 37, most in the division. They also gave up 59, which was the most in the division. The Panthers defense was no match for Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson’s high-powered offense. Bryce Young put up a fight, but costly offensive turnovers spoiled too many opportunities. Caleb Williams DOT to Cole Kmet for the TD 😮‍💨 Absolute seed in double coverage 🔥(via @nfl) pic.twitter.com/hUC5ka3bYn— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 13, 2026Carolina invested heavily in its defense this offseason, including extending Ejiro Evero,