The NFC South outlook at midseason

One division in the NFL features three teams that rank in the top-10 for yards per game, points per game, yards per play, passing yards per game, completion percentage and passing rating.

That same division is the only one in the NFL to feature three teams with at least a .500 record, and is the NFL's only division in which all four teams have reached the Super Bowl in the past 15 years.

The NFC South is so far the league's most competitive division, with three teams vying for one of the conference's six playoff spots.

New Orleans is one of the best teams in the NFL with Tampa Bay – at one point in the league.

Not to be forgotten is Carolina, who has moved from the most defensive-minded team we're used to seeing and carving out a balanced offensive attack.

Then there's Atlanta, which was forced to overcome a defeat on the defensive side of the ball on his way back to .500 with a three-game winning streak and just signed coveted defensive Bruce Irvin as reinforcement.

Could the Saints run away with the division, having shown few weaknesses through eight games? Can Carolina and Atlanta earn playoff spots as Wild Card teams? With half of the season in the books, here's how NFC South's teams stack up:

New Orleans Saints (7-1)

Remaining schedule: at Cincinnati, vs Philadelphia, vs Atlanta, at Dallas, at Tampa Bay, at Carolina, vs Pittsburgh, vs Carolina

What has gone well: Drew Bree is aging like a Napa County wine in his 18th season, leading the league in quarterback rating and completion percentage. Michael Thomas's wide receiver has caught nearly 87 percent of his targets in what's up for a career year, while New Orleans' league-best run defense has forced opponents to move the ball through the air.

What needs work: It's a good thing New Orleans' run defense is stellar this season because of its pass defense ranks 31st in the NFL. Offensively, its 3.9 yards per rush average has not hurt much but it's a far cry from the league-leading.

Bottom line: After dethroning the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9, the Saints took over the team to beat the NFC and could 14-2 or 15-1 thanks to a favorable schedule.

Carolina Panthers (6-3)

Remaining schedule: at Detroit, vs Seattle, at Tampa Bay, at Cleveland, vs New Orleans vs Atlanta at New Orleans

What has gone well: Christian McCaffrey has a solidified three-down-back status on the strength of his versatility in the run and passing games. Cam Newton has flourished in his turner's system, which uses quick passes to playmakers who can make things happen after the wrestling.

What needs work: Consistency, consistency, consistency. The Panthers steamrolled the NFL's top-ranked defense, scored 35 first-half points only to give up 21 unanswered, and allowed 52 points in prime time. And that was just the last two weeks. They need to be more effective, especially with five remaining games against pass-heavy opponents.

Bottom line: Week 10's blowout loss to Pittsburgh's dampened Carolina's outlook, but its season will be NFC South games in New Orleans.

Atlanta Falcons (4-4)

Remaining schedule: at Cleveland, vs Dallas, at New Orleans, vs Baltimore, at Green Bay, vs Arizona, at Carolina, at Tampa Bay

What has gone well: The Falcons are who they have been for several years, a pass-first team with plenty of weapons. Matt Ryan is completing a career-high 71 percent of his assault, Julio Jones is almost on pace for a 2,000-yard season and rookie Calvin Ridley is second in the NFL in receiving touchdowns through eight games.

What needs work: Ryan has taken way too many hits and is on a high career path. Atlanta ranks 28th in the NFL in rushing while its defense, decimated by injuries, has been largely ineffective against both the run and the pass.

Bottom line: Atlanta beat two of the league's bottom-feeders in Weeks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)

Remaining schedule: vs Washington, at New York Giants, vs San Francisco, vs Carolina, vs New Orleans, at Baltimore, at Dallas, vs Atlanta

What has gone well: We've all seen "Fitzmagic" at work. Tampa Bay throws and throws and throws the ball, ranks second in the league in yards per game and leads the NFL in passing yards per game.

What needs work: There are too many facets of the Bucs' game to pick. They are 30th in the league in rushing yards per game and passing yards allowed per game, 26th in sacks and 12th in sacks allowed.

Bottom line: Even if we pretend that anything is possible, Tampa Bay is still the clear bottom-dweller in the NFC South. With a difficult five-game stretch to end the season, that's probably not going to change. The Bucs' coaches are more firmly in the hot seat than Tampa Bay is in the postseason at this point.