NFC South Preview

 


We’ve made it to August, which means the NFL Season is just around the corner! Over the course of the month, I’ll be previewing each of the division races, looking at the teams in order of finish from 2025. Below, we continue with the NFC South. Let’s dive in!

Carolina Panthers (8-9)
About: The Panthers backed into the division title and the playoffs. Three teams finished tied, all one game under .500, and the Panthers were the tie-break winner. They lost in the Wild Card Round, but they made it. A lot of this season will depend on the continued evolution of Bryce Young and the offense. He has a true No. 1 receiver in Tet McMillan, but the rest of the offense has some questions. Last year seemed like the best-case scenario for the team. I don't know that they luck out again.
Prediction: The Panthers will finish around the same place, with eight or nine wins, and likely be short of the playoffs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
About: The Buccaneers started hot and faded quickly. Injuries and tough losses piled up. Despite beating the Panthers in Week 18, the team finished in second place thanks to the Falcons' win. That led them to miss the playoffs. This off-season the team saw Mike Evans and Rachaad White leave, but the team still has talent. Baker Mayfield is playing in a contract year, and Vita Vea is looking for a way out, so that puts some pressure on the Buccaneers. If they don't make the playoffs, some big changes could be coming.
Prediction: The Buccaneers will finish with between eight and 10 wins and be in the mix for what figures to be a tight division.

Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
About: The Falcons finished 8-9, tied atop the NFC South, but were technically in third place. That led to Raheem Morris being fired and Kevin Stefanski being hired. Kirk Cousins moved on, too, as did Tyler Allgeier. But the team brought in Tua Tagovailoa to compete at quarterback with Michael Penix, Jr. Neither is healthy, but someone will likely get the job, right? The Falcons have some issues, but also have Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. This is a winable division, and I think there is a wide range of outcomes here. The Falcons could get hot and win the South, or they could finish in last place.
Prediction: I think this team finishes with between seven and 10 wins but looks to make quarterback changes in the off-season.

New Orleans Saints (6-11)
About: The Saints figured to be one of the worst teams in the league prior to the 2025 season. And for much of the first part, where they went 1-8, they lived up to that billing. Then Tyler Shough took the starting job, and the team finished 5-3 and looked frisky. This off-season, the team added Travis Etienne to the backfield and Jordan Tyson at wide receiver. I like what they're doing. Kellen Moore is a talented playcaller and I think the Saints could be poised to make a big move this season.
Prediction: The Saints also have a range between seven and 10 wins, but I think they make a run at winning the NFC South and making the playoffs.

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