NFC South
The NFC South has been ran by the New Orleans Saints the past three seasons, but it seems like this year it could be up for grabs. Not that the Saints have gotten less lethal, but the three other teams in the division could take the crown. The Falcons still have a core that was in the Super Bowl not too long ago. The Panthers are hoping their quarterback can remain healthy all season while the Bucs will be observing their quarterback and decide if he is their future or not.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons had a lost season last year due to injuries. However, the team still has one of the best quarterback-wide receiver duos in Matt Ryan and Julio Jones. The chemistry these two possess from playing together for so many years is unmatched. To ensure that connection remains strong, the team drafted two offensive linemen with their top picks in the draft. This offensive unit of Ryan, Jones, Devonta Freeman, and Calvin Ridley is one of the best in the entire league.
Ryan has thrown for over 4,000 yard the past eight seasons and there’s no reason to think he’ll slow down now. Their defense is still strong despite losing two cornerbacks and Bruce Irvin to Carolina in free agency. This is a really strong Atlanta team that can easily sneak into the playoffs even if the Saints take the division once again.
New Orleans Saints
We all fawn over Tom Brady still playing exceptionally well at the end of his career, but there’s a guy in New Orleans who is still playing elite football named Drew Brees. Brees has proven that he can lead his team to victory despite coming up short. Unfortunately, this team is coming off yet another heartbreaking loss in the playoffs.
The Saints saw the departure of some big names including Ben Watson and Mark Ingram. New Orleans welcomed in Latavius Murray, Kiko Alonso and Jared Cook this offseason. The Saints are still the most talented team on paper in the division. They are solid on all sides of the ball including a strong offensive line, strong pass rush and a kicker that Chicago fans dream of.
Carolina Panthers
This team will go as far as Cam Newton’s arm takes them. It’s not much of a surprise that this team goes as Cam Newton goes. When he had an MVP season, the team went to the Super Bowl. Since then, the team has struggled anytime Newton has gotten injured. Running back Christian McCaffrey has proven that he can take some of the offensive burden off of Newton’s shoulders.
This defense is still solid anchored by linebacker Luke Kuechly. It will likely improve with the additions of Brian Burns and Bruce Irvin. Irvin is currently sidelined with an injury and will likely miss time, but Burns and Marquis Haynes are ready to step in. Both had four sacks in preseason, something the team is in desperate need of after last season. If Newton can stay healthy and the defensive line can establish a pass rush, the Panthers could dethrone the Saints.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are welcoming in everyone’s favorite Kangol wearing coach Bruce Arians. That could mean the team responds extremely well to Arians and they improve dramatically or it takes some time for this team to get completely comfortable with the coaching overhaul. For a team that has missed the playoffs for eleven consecutive seasons, any sign of improvement would be welcomed.
This is a big season for the Bucs, especially quarterback Jameis Winston. Winston has never lived up to expectations in the NFL. Next season he will be an unrestricted free agent and the team has to decide if they should sign him long term or let him walk and start over on the search for a franchise quarterback.
