Falcons' loss to Bucs gives Panthers third straight NFC South title

NEW ORLEANS --Atlanta's 23-19 loss toTampa Bayon Sunday gave the Carolina Panthers their third consecutive NFC South title prior to their 41-38 win over theNew Orleans Saints.

No NFC South team prior to last season had won consecutive division crowns.

Atlanta and Tampa Bay now are tied for second in the division at 6-6.

The Panthers (12-0) currently own a two-game lead overArizonafor the best record in the NFC in the battle for home field-advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Cardinals improved to 10-2 with their 27-3 win over the St. Louis Rams.

Carolina coach Ron Rivera insisted all week his team's focus was on winning at New Orleans, not clinching the division or the possibility of going 16-0 in the regular season.

The Panthers have won 16 regular-season games dating to a 41-10 victory at New Orleans last season, the longest streak since the NFC was formed.