Things couldn't have gone much better for the New Orleans Saints during their Week 8 bye, at least as far as the NFC South title race is concerned. While the Saints were resting, they got to watch one division rival embarrass themselves in a prime-time loss on the road (the Carolina Panthers fell to the Green Bay Packers, 27-19, and fired defensive coordinator Ejero Eviro) while another was shut out in their own bid at taking first place (the Atlanta Falcons didn't score a single point in a 16-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). Here's how the division stands now:

1. Carolina Panthers, 3-4

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 3-5

3. Atlanta Falcons, 3-5

New Orleans will come out of their bye just 1.5 games out of first place. If head coach Kellen Moore did his job over the break and self-scouted areas for improvement (like not leaving his backup left tackle on an island against the NFL's best pass rushers, and leaning on the heavy personnel packages they've had success with in running the ball), the Saints could surprise some people in the back half of the season. Even if it's another year where it only takes eight or nine wins to control the division, well, that's just better for the Saints after they dug such a deep hole for themselves.

And things could change as soon as Week 9. The Saints will host a Cleveland Browns team that may be 5-3 but hasn't won a single game by more than four points. The Falcons will meet the high-flying Cincinnati Bengals in Spain to start the Sunday slate, which the Buccaneers will wrap up against an intimidating Chicago Bears squad on Sunday night. Sean Payton and Denver Broncos will look to put the Panthers in their place earlier that afternoon. There's a very real possibility New Orleans could be tied with Carolina at 3-5 this time next week, with an opportunity to take control of the NFC South (and the playoff berth that comes with it). We can argue about whether or not this Saints team is ready for the postseason, but the weak state of their division will continue to bail them out.