NFC South Preseason Predictions

Continuing on with our preseason predictions, we have the South divisions today, starting with the NFC South:

Atlanta Falcons

Tim: 11-5 (2^nd NFCS)

When I think about the Atlanta Falcons, Matt Ryan comes first to mind. With steady growth over his first two years, he will only continue to get better as he jells with Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. The Falcons defense, notably the secondary, brings me to worry though. The front seven are fine, but they need to step up to help a group that has turned to Dunta Robinson as their answer for a shutdown CB. Not where I would have looked, personally. All in all, a postseason run for Atlanta should be imminent.

Dan: 11-5 (2^nd NFCS)

Atlanta only went 9-7 last year, which could maybe be attributed to Michael Turner getting hurt in Week 10 and not being around for the rest of the season. But Atlanta's got a dangerous offensive group to compliment Turner in Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, and Matt Ryan. If those four can stay healthy, then Atlanta can go shot for shot with the best offenses in the league. What ultimately holds them back, I think, is their defense. It's not a bad defense at all, however. They signed Dunta Robinson, giving them their first real No. 1 cornerback since DeAngelo Hall. If Robinson can play at a high level all season, Atlanta should have a good year.

Carolina Panthers

Tim: 5-11 (3^rd NFCS)

In a division with two high-powered offenses, Carolina is going to struggle with new young QB Matt Moore heading the lackluster passing game. Their running game should still be incredible, but there just isn’t depth behind Steve Smith at WR. Their defense must step off if they are to slow down New Orleans and Atlanta this season, since they lack the ability to get way out in front with their offense.

Dan: 6-10 (3^rd NFCS)

Carolina has a trifecta of dangerous offensive weapons in Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams, and Jonathan Stewart. The questions here lie at the quarterback position with Matt Moore and in a defense that lost star defensive end Julius Peppers to Chicago. Jon Beason will anchor the middle of the field but the rest of the defense will need to step up if the Panthers want to stay competitive. I'm thinking that Steve Smith has at least 1,000 yards and 7 TDs this year and that both Stewart finishes with more yards and touchdowns than Williams. The truth is, Carolina will not be a strong enough team to consistently compete with the likes of New Orleans and Atlanta.

New Orleans Saints

Tim: 13-3 (1^st NFCS)

Drew Brees. Need I say anything more? This offense is still high-octane, but the Saints need the defense to either tighten up or duplicate the high number of defensive touchdowns from 2009. My only concern is that the Saints could have a Super Bowl hangover, though it has seemed that Coach Sean Payton has immunized his players from getting too comfortable. They should be a lock for a deep postseason run.

Dan: 13-3 (1^st NFCS)

Coming off of a Super Bowl victory, it feels like everybody and their mother is high on New Orleans. And they should be! Drew Brees is out of this world and could almost singlehandedly be responsible for a return trip. I think that Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush each have the best years of their pro careers and Marques Colston puts up some filthy numbers. My one concern lies in their secondary, specifically, the absence of Darren Sharper for at least the first 6 weeks. Is it a big knock? No. I actually have them going 5-1 while Sharper is out. But I do think it's something to watch out for.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tim: 2-14 (4^th NFCS)

Rookie DT Gerald McCoy is going to make this defense much better than it has been, but you can’t expect great things from a defense leaning on rookies. Not only that, but there aren’t really any weapons for young QB Josh Freeman to use and improve his game with, so I think the Bucs are one more draft from a shot at the divisional title

Dan: 2-14 (4^th NFCS)

If you were to look up "rebuilding year" in the encyclopedia, you would see a picture of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While they won't likely have a good year this year, Coach Raheem Morris has been doing everything right to build for the future. Josh Freeman looks to be the answer at quarterback and will only get better with experience. The secondary actually looked pretty good last year with young Aqib Talib and the immortal Ronde Barber manning the corners. Ronde Barber is 35 now and the team will need to replace him soon. But, for the time being, he still is a solid cover corner. Long story short, don't worry Bucs fans. Your time will come very soon.

Check out the rest of our predictions:

NFC West

AFC South