NFC South Predictions
1. New Orleans Saints
The Saints won their first ever Super Bowl last season and they have all the pieces to repeat. An NFC South title is nearly a lock with their potent offense and a defense that thrives on turnovers. They led the NFL in defensive touchdowns with eight last year, twice as many as the next team in line. The biggest loss on defense was linebacker Scott Fujita to the Cleveland Browns but they picked up some nice defensive ends. The offense returns quarterback Drew Brees, running backs Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush, and receivers Marques Colston, Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem. If everything clicks, don’t be shocked to see New Orleans in the Super Bowl again.
2. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons didn’t have much going for them last year but they still proved to be among the NFC’s elite. If running back Michael Turner can play like he did in 2008, the offense will pose some problems. Defensive back Dunta Robinson was added as a free agent. Quarterback Matt Ryan and Turner need to stay healthy after an injury-plagued 2009 season. Tight end Tony Gonzalez and wide receivers Roddy White and Michael Jenkins are solid options for Ryan across the middle and downfield, but receiver Harry Douglas needs to make an impact coming off a torn ACL. The defense is anchored by Jamaal Anderson, Jonathan Babineaux and John Abraham. Atlanta went 11-5 ATS (against the spread) last year.
3. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are too young and inexperienced to compete whether it’s Matt Moore or Jimmy Clausen taking the snaps. Running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart provide a spark on offense but the defense is suspect, now without Kris Jenkins and Julius Peppers. With Jake Delhomme gone and Muhsin Muhammad retired, a revamped offense doesn’t bode well for Carolina. Thomas Davis went down with a season-ending knee injury in the spring. Steve Smith is out indefinitely with a broken arm from a flag football game. The cornerbacks are solid with Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall, as are the linebackers with Jon Beason and Dan Connor. But, this many key injuries early is never a good sign. The Panthers were 4-1 SU (straight up) and 5-0 ATS last season with Moore at the helm.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay’s only hope in the NFC South is a few surprise victories and a total breakdown in Carolina. The defense is young with two rookie defensive tackles and as many as eight starters under the age of 26. Key losses include Antonio Bryant, Byron Leftwich, Will Allen and Jimmy Wilkerson. Receivers Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall will be challenged by young newcomers for playing time. Tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. is the best receiver on paper. Running back Cadillac Williams was healthy in 2009, but he and backup Derrick Ward need to give the Bucs a balanced attack on offense. The quarterback position has long been Tampa Bay’s downfall. The Bucs had the third worst team quarterback rating at 59.8 last season. That total was lower in six of rookie QB Josh Freeman’s eight starts.
NFC South Division Winner Odds (provided by Titan Bet)
New Orleans Saints: 1.57
Atlanta Falcons: 3.20
Carolina Panthers: 5.50
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 34.00