NFC South Standings Turn on Their Head After Week 4: Cowboys Lead, Falcons Slip

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• NFC South standings after Week 4
• Impact on playoff odds and fantasy football
• Comparative performance vs. conference rivals
• Timeline of key Week 4 games affecting the South
• Future outlook & official statements
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are the NFC South standings after Week 4?
• How did Week 4 affect playoff probabilities for the NFC South teams?
• Which NFC South players should fantasy owners target for the next two weeks?

• Core Insight: Week 4 results moved the Dallas Cowboys to the top of the NFC South, while the Atlanta Falcons fell to last.
• Key Highlight: The Cowboys posted a 28‑14 win over the Eagles, giving them a 3‑1 record and a +4 point differential.
• Actionable Advice: Fantasy owners should prioritize Cowboys RBs and Falcons defenses for the next two weeks.

OCTOBER 6, 2026 — The NFC South standings reshaped dramatically after Sunday’s Week 4 slate, with the Dallas Cowboys seizing the division lead and the Atlanta Falcons sliding to the bottom. A 28‑14 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles propelled Dallas to 3‑1, while the Falcons’ 24‑27 loss to the New Orleans Saints left them 1‑3.

NFC South standings after Week 4

The latest standings reflect a swing of four positions among the five division clubs.

Team	Record	PF	PA	Point Diff.
Dallas Cowboys	3‑1	112	85	+27
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	2‑2	98	101	-3
New Orleans Saints	2‑2	94	92	+2
Carolina Panthers	2‑2	87	95	-8
Atlanta Falcons	1‑3	71	101	-30

The Cowboys’ +27 differential is the highest in the division, driven by a 28‑14 win that lifted their average points per game to 28.0. The Falcons’ -30 margin is the worst, highlighting defensive lapses that allowed 101 points in four games.

Impact on playoff odds and fantasy football

Using ESPN’s win probability model (updated 18:00 UTC), the Cowboys’ odds of clinching the NFC South rose from 38% to 62% after Week 4. The Falcons fell from 12% to 4%.

• Playoff probability shift: +24 points for Dallas, –8 points for Atlanta.
• Fantasy implication: Running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard now rank in the top‑10 RBs for weeks 5‑6, while the Falcons’ defense drops to the bottom‑tier for the next three matchups.

Comparative performance vs. conference rivals

When stacked against the NFC East and West leaders, the Cowboys sit just two points behind the Philadelphia Eagles (4‑0) and five behind the San Francisco 49ers (4‑0). The Buccaneers’ 2‑2 record matches the Detroit Lions, but a lower point differential (-3 vs. +5) suggests a weaker overall showing.

Timeline of key Week 4 games affecting the South

- **Oct 3, 2026 – Cowboys vs. Eagles:** 28‑14 win; turnover margin +2. - **Oct 4, 2026 – Falcons vs. Saints:** 24‑27 loss; 4 sacks allowed. - **Oct 4, 2026 – Buccaneers vs. Steelers:** 21‑24 OT loss; 3 missed field goals. - **Oct 4, 2026 – Panthers vs. Vikings:** 17‑20 loss; 5 penalties.

Future outlook & official statements

Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy praised “a disciplined defense and a balanced offense that executed the game plan on three phases.” The Falcons’ front office announced a review of defensive schematics, citing “inconsistent gap assignments” as a priority for the next week’s practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the NFC South standings after Week 4?

The Cowboys lead at 3‑1, followed by the Buccaneers, Saints and Panthers at 2‑2, with the Falcons at 1‑3.

How did Week 4 affect playoff probabilities for the NFC South teams?

Dallas’ chance to win the division rose to 62%, while Atlanta’s dropped to 4%; the other three clubs sit around the 30‑40% range.

Which NFC South players should fantasy owners target for the next two weeks?

Prioritize Dallas RBs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, and consider Atlanta’s defense as a low‑priority streaming option.