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When the Atlanta Falcons' upset bid fizzled Monday night in frosty Green Bay, it officially ensured the the NFC South champion would not be a winning team.

For fans who have followed the division's struggles in 2014, that should come as no surprise.

But what might be a surprise is that with three games left, three teams have a decent shot to win the division.

The Carolina Panthers (4-8-1), who thumped the New Orleans Saints last week to break a six-game losing streak, are a half-game behind the Saints (5-8) and Falcons (5-8).

Check out Gene Guillot's post for a concise look at the race. For a longer explanation, dive in:

Which teams control their own destiny?

The Saints and Falcons. If the Saints go 3-0, they win the division. If the Falcons do the same, they will be champions.

Who has the tiebreaker?

The Falcons will win the tiebreaker over the Saints regardless of what happens in their second head-to-head meeting on Dec. 21 because of their superior record in division games.

Do the Panthers have to win out?

Not at all. If the Panthers go 2-1 and both the Saints and Falcons go 1-2, the Panthers are champs at 6-9-1. It doesn't matter which games the Panthers win (or the others lose). Carolina could even lose to Atlanta on the final day of the regular season and still win the division under certain scenarios.

Read more: 128 ways the crazy NFC South race could end: A guide to the final 3 weeks | NOLA.com

NOLA54

As much as I hate to say this I'm not willing to live in a state of denial.

The falcon played very well against GB in GB. With Newton injured the falcons will beat them. They will have a difficult time against the Steelers even at home. I don't know what they will get from us .

RailBoss

Still can't figure out how we beat Green Bay. The Panthers have Derek Anderson and Joe Webb both journeymen backups. I agree with 54 that there is a slim chance that they will beat Atlanta.

foreverfan

I could care less if we win the division.

WHODATINCA

Because, grasshopper, we suck.

SloMotion

Only 128? My head hurts thinking about this one,

saintsfan1976

This team has exactly ONE option.

Beat Atlanta.

Mardigras9

We can't lose any, and we need some help from PITT. Carolina is likely out with the injury to Cam. And even at that, we have to beat Tampa on the road and they almost beat us in our own house. I think we are still a long shot, Atlanta has the upper hand now.

Rugby Saint II

Unfortunately if we win out and go to the playoffs we are one and done. Face it this team isn't that good...........Hell, it's just bad!

I actually want to pick draft picks ahead of our division rivals. We all need the same players anyway. OK, not exactly but I want the players that they covet. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it!!! I want to win but I'm afraid we just don't have any talent. This is going to be a long year to wind down..........

RailBoss

Agreed our Offense may stumble through but there is no hiding
our defense.