NFC South Notebook: Panthers in prime position, Massaquoi benched
Every Monday and Friday, theScore's NFL editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the NFC South Notebook.
Carolina Panthers
Panthers in prime position for playoffs. Incredibly, the Panthers are staring down the very real possibility of winning the NFC South and qualifying for the playoffs with a 7-8-1 record. Get excited, Panthers fans.
Anderson could start again. Cam Newton hasn't been ruled out for Week 16, but Derek Anderson is ready to roll as starter for a second straight week if called up. He may relish the chance to play against his former team, the Cleveland Browns.
Stats and superlatives. BlackAndBlueReview.com ran down all the most interesting stats and facts from the Panthers' big win.
Atlanta Falcons
Injury update. TheFalcoholic.com ran down all the key injuries suffered by Falcons players in Sunday's loss.
Massaquoi benched. The Falcons, in desperate need of a pass rush, benched perhaps their most promising young pass rusher in Jonathan Massaquoi on Sunday after he complained about not playing enough.
Falcons need Jones more than ever. If the Falcons are to resurrect their hopes of winning the division, they need a healthy Julio Jones back on the field.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Martin's resurgence continues. Doug Martin continued to prove he deserves the chance to lead the Buccaneers' rushing attack in 2015 and beyond.
Collins wasn't informed of his benching. Left tackle Anthony Collins was benched for poor performance Sunday, but none of his coaches thought to tell him about it.
Should Bucs abandon search for franchise passer? Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith proposed a radical strategy for the Buccaneers: giving up on trying to find a franchise quarterback, committing to the run and signing a player like Terrelle Pryor, Vince Young or Tim Tebow.
New Orleans Saints
Know your enemy. ESPN's Mike Triplett asked several Saints players what they think of Jay Cutler.
Five things to watch. TheSaintsNation.com ran down five points that could determine the winner of Monday's game.
Payton shoots down Michigan speculation. Sean Payton insisted he's not interested in the open head coaching position at the University of Michigan.