NFC South Predictions

Atlanta Falcons
Last Season overall: 13-3 (NFC South: 5-1)
Prediction 11-5 overall (NFC South 4-2)

Atlanta has definitely done well for itself since the days of Michael Vick, striking a jackpot with its new superstar QB Matt Ryan. Coupled with the development of WR Roddy White and a strong running game, and Atlanta looks to once again be a dominant force in the NFC South and a challenger for the division title. They will be hard pressed to win the division outright, as the New Orleans Saints look to be the preseason favorite to win the division.


New Orleans Saints
Overall: 11-5 (NFC South: 4-2)
Prediction 13-3 overall (NFC South 5-1)

The Saints are probably the best prepared of any team for the new season, as they ran optional team practices even throughout the NFL Lockout, and retained a top 3 NFL quarterback in Drew Brees. The biggest challenges for New Orleans will be cutting down on turnovers( (27 last season, 22 from Brees) and forcing many more on defense, as they did in 2010 when they won the Super Bowl. If they can breathe new life into the run game, they won’t put as much pressure on Brees to force throws and will likely turn the ball over less.


Carolina Panthers
Overall: 2-14 (NFC South: 0-6)
Prediction 3-13 overall (NFC South 0-6)

New Coach Ron Rivera and rookie QB sensation Cam Newton hope to improve on the Panther’s 2-14 season last year, which they probably will, but not much. If Newton is to succeed and live up to his hype, the O-Line MUST protect him better than they did Jimmy Clausen (50 sacks given up last season). Newton may not be as good as they say he is, but we’ll never know if he can’t ever get a good pass attempt off without getting sacked. Don’t expect much from the Panthers this year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Overall: 10-6vs NFC South: 3-3
Prediction 8-8 (NFC South 3-3)

The Bucs are in an improvement stage, as they continue to accrue and develop young talent in their organization. With a successful young QB in Josh Freeman and capable wideouts Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn, the Bucs mostly need their defense to tighten up and allow the team to advance to new levels. Coach Raheem Morris has them heading in the right direction, and in a couple years, this team could be possibly be reaching the NFC Championship game.