Is it possible for every team in 1 division to be .500 or better?? If it’s going to happen in 2017, it’s going to happen in the NFC South. This division will feature 4 very good football teams competing for playoff spots in the NFC…..
Last Season’s Standings:
Atlanta Falcons: 11-5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 9-7
New Orleans Saints: 7-9
Carolina Panthers: 6-10
From worst-to-first we go….
New Orleans Saints
Notoriously good on offense. Notoriously bad on defense. That’s been the headline in New Orleans for the past few years. Expect more of the same. Only this year, Drew Brees has his work cut out for him. Brees is a future hall of famer, so he’ll steer the ship in the right direction, but it’s not easy when your #1 receiver is Michael Thomas. No offense to Thomas, after a phenomenal rookie season, but he’s not a #1 receiver — yet. For all you fantasy lovers, anticipate an Adrian Peterson resurrection. This, of course, depends on Mark Ingram’s carries, but those have declined steadily every year Ingram has been in the league.
Key Additions: Adrian Peterson, Ted Ginn, Larry Warford
Key Losses: Brandin Cooks, Tim Lelito, Roman Harper
Carolina Panthers
I foresee the Carolina Panthers bouncing back in a big way. Last season, Cam Newton was coming off an injury. He, along with the Panthers defense, got off to a slow start. Expect Newton to return to MVP form and drive his team to success. Their defense is still very solid, led by Luke Kuechly at the middle linebacker position. The Panthers should compete for an NFC Wild Card spot this season. The addition of Matt Kalil will be important. Kalil will help protect Newton’s blind side, keeping Newton from ending up on his back every 5 seconds.
Key Additions: Matt Kalil, Captain Munnerlyn, Mike Adams
Key Losses: Michael Oher, Ted Ginn, Mike Tolbert
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If you haven’t watched Jameis Winston play, you’re missing out. He is as talented a player as you’ll find in this league. The question is, can he take another step forward this season. His improvements from his rookie to sophomore campaign were noticeable, and the addition of DeSean Jackson won’t hurt. Their defense is solid. And while I don’t love their running attack, Winston’s arm is such a threat, he opens up running lanes for Jacquizz Rodgers and Doug Martin. Don’t be surprised when the Buccaneers challenge the Falcons for the NFC South Division Title.
Key Additions: J.J, Wilcox, Desean Jackson, Nick Folk
Key Losses: Vincent Jackson, Alterraun Verner, Daryl Smith
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons had a magical 2016 season. Even though they blew the biggest lead in Super Bowl history, they greatly exceeded expectations. This year, they will do the opposite. Everyone expects them to waltz through this division, like a stroll through Central Park. While I think they’re a good team, slight regression is on the horizon. Matt Ryan has finally received the credit he’s been due for the better part of a decade, and Devonta Freeman is shaping into a top-5 running back in the league. Their defense, however, will let them down. Don’t believe me?? You’ll see the light soon, don’t worry. I still have them winning the NFC South by virtue of a tiebreak over the Buccaneers.
Key Additions: Dontari Poe, Hugh Thornton, Jack Crawford
Key Losses: Dwight Freeney, Sean Weatherspoon, Jacob Tamme
This Season’s Predictions:
Atlanta Falcons: 10-6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10-6
Carolina Panthers: 8-8
New Orleans Saints: 6-10
This is going to be a really solid division.
They have 4 great quarterbacks in a league that is run by quarterbacks.
Who do you think will win the NFC South?? Post your predictions in the comment section below.
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