2010 NFC South Division Title

Lore & Background

Before the 2002 season, the Buccaneers belonged to the AFC West (1976) and NFC Central (1977–2001), while the other three teams were part of the geographically inaccurate NFC West. The NFC South is one of two divisions to have each of its teams make a Super Bowl appearance since the 2002 realignment: Tampa Bay (2002 and 2020), Atlanta (2016), Carolina (2003 and 2015) and New Orleans (2009). Since 2002, each team has won at least three division titles, making it one of the most competitive divisions in the league. On January 3, 2021, the Saints became the first-ever team to sweep the NFC South in the regular season, but they lost to the Buccaneers in the playoffs. The NFC South is the only NFC division not to have any of the twelve 'old-line' franchises that predate the 1960 launch of the American Football League. The oldest team is the Falcons, who began play in 1966, and the Saints began play in 1967. The NFC South became the second division in five years to have a champion with a losing record, as the 2014 Carolina Panthers won the division with a 7–8–1 record. Carolina became the first team to repeat as NFC South champions since the creation of the division, and the first to win it three consecutive times (2013–2015). The Saints were the first team to win the division four consecutive times (2017–2020). On January 7, 2018, two NFC South teams (the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints) met in the NFL playoffs for the first time since the division's creation. In 2024, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tied with the New Orleans Saints for the most division titles, with seven, and tied for most consecutive division titles, with four, and broke the division record of most consecutive playoff appearances, with five.

In Their Own Story

The Georgia Dome hummed with electric anticipation on December 26th. The air was thick with the scent of popcorn and cold beer as fans chanted in unison. On the field, Matt Ryan wiped sweat from his brow, scanning the defense one last time before the snap. This wasn't just another game; it was the clincher against New Orleans. With a decisive pass to Roddy White sealing the victory, the roar of the crowd drowned out the winter chill outside.

Reader's Guide

Entering 2025, the Saints have the most wins and highest winning percentage among division members. The Saints' record is 417–480–5; their win in Super Bowl XLIV is the highlight of a 10–13 playoff record. The Falcons' record is 398–512–6 with a playoff record of 10–14; the Falcons lost in Super Bowls XXXIII and LI. The Buccaneers' record is 318–457–1 with a victory in both their Super Bowl appearances, Super Bowl XXXVII and Super Bowl LV, and an overall playoff record of 12–13. The Panthers have the best playoff winning percentage (9–8) of any team in the division with losses in Super Bowls XXXVIII and 50, with a regular season record of 195–204–1.

Did You Know?

• The NFC South is one of two divisions to have each of its teams make a Super Bowl appearance since the 2002 realignment.
• Since 2002, each team has won at least three division titles, making it one of the most competitive divisions in the league.
• The Saints became the first-ever team to sweep the NFC South in the regular season on January 3, 2021.
• The NFC South is the only NFC division not to have any of the twelve 'old-line' franchises that predate the 1960 launch of the American Football League.
• The 2014 Carolina Panthers won the division with a 7–8–1 record, the second division champion in five years to have a losing record.