The closest threat to an Atlanta Falcons NFC South title - no offense to the New Orleans Saints - beat the Arizona Cardinals on the road, 38-35. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers moved to 5-2 behind an opportunistic defense and surprisingly potent offense. Led by my fantasy start of the week, LeGarrette Blount's 120 rushing yards and two touchdowns, the Buccaneers survived a shootout in Tempe that saw both teams score in every quarter.
The Buccaneers scored twice on defensive touchdowns in the first half and led 24-14 after two quarters. Max Hall got the hook for Derek Anderson and the Cardinals scored 21 unanswered points to take a 35-31 lead late in the fourth quarter. The second of two Blount touchdown runs gave the Buccaneers the lead for good.
This sets up a tremendous showdown between the 5-2 Buccaneers and the 5-2 Falcons in the Georgia Dome in Week 9. The winner will have the inside track to not only the NFC South title but homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. For comparison's sake, the Buccaneers beat the Cardinals by three. The Falcons beat them 41-7. You know, just for comparison's sake.