The Carolina Panthers had themselves a perfect Sunday, and they didn't even have to lift a finger.
Week 5 brought about a much-needed break for the reigning NFC South champions, who sat back for the earliest possible bye of the 2026 campaign. And their grip on the division got a little tighter yesterday—thanks to losses by the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons.
First, New Orleans fell at home to the Minnesota Vikings, 23-13. Vikings running back Aaron Jones (25 carries, 113 yards, touchdown) and wide receiver Justin Jefferson (six receptions, 79 yards, touchdown) paced the victory.
Then, in the prime-time slot, Atlanta was upended by the visiting Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore's 30-23 overtime win was clinched by an interception from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who came on in relief of an injured Michael Penix Jr.
Entering Week 6, the Panthers sit all alone atop the NFC South at 2-2. They're followed by the 2-3 Falcons, the 1-4 Saints and the 1-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers—whose win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night stopped Week 5 from being a completely immaculate slate for the Panthers.
Nonetheless, Carolina is probably more than happy with the cushion on the throne as well as the timely rest for their banged-up roster.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers have a near-perfect Week 5 without even taking the field