NFC South Predictions, Odds: Can the New-Look New Orleans Saints March to the Top?

It’s fascinating to notice the sort of void left by the departure of a monumentally important player like quarterback Tom Brady. For three seasons, from 2020 through 2022, the buck in the NFC South stopped with the Bucs, no pun intended.

Now, the division feels as if it could be anybody’s game. One team has a first-year rookie QB leading the charge, another has a sophomore under centre, a third has a long-time veteran who’s never been a part of a winning culture, and the fourth club has a recent journeyman QB looking to re-establish himself as a viable starter.

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NFC South Preview

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons should see a real opportunity to make a move in 2023. No one was ever going to top Tampa Bay as long as TB12 was around – it was very unlikely, at the least. But now all of the clubs that form this quartet a somewhat vulnerable. QB Desmond Ridder enters his second year as a pro in Atlanta, but his first at the clear-cut number one since Marcus Mariota took most of the snaps last season.

He definitely doesn’t lack a great blanket TE in Kyle Pitts. The Falcons added some speed with WR Mack Hollins, and Drake London has a strong rookie campaign in 2022, certainly good enough to expect even more from him in 2023. Atlanta was a bottom 10 side against both the pass and the run last year. They brought in CB Jeff Okudah from the Lions but he’s listed as questionable at the time of publication. It’s a very young secondary, with a lot of guys entering their second or third years.

Falcons Record Prediction: 7-10

Carolina Panthers

There wasn’t much to get excited about in Carolina at the start of last season, unless one has a predilection for drama (i.e. the never-ending Baker Mayfield conversation). The campaign went so bad that their number one player, Christian McCaffrey, left mid-season for greener pastures. As we approach kick-off weekend, the club has rejuvenated itself with number one overall pick Bryce Young at quarterback.

It’s always a bit difficult to know what to expect in such situations with very talented but young and inexperienced QBs. He does have options, though. Carolina brought in WR Adam Thielen from Minnesota and RB Miles Sanders from Philadelphia, although the latter is currently banged up. There wasn’t much of anything that worked in 2022 for this team, but with so many new pieces and a new head coach in Frank Reich, the sky is the limit.

Panthers Record Prediction: 9-8

New Orleans Saints

The Saints are another team that made big offseason moves, albeit ones that haven’t convinced the masses that the roster is significantly better than in 2022. Derek Carr takes over the quarterback position from whatever muti-player experiment had been going on these past few seasons.

One of the most disappointing and, for Saints fans, frustrating storylines is the perennial health issues of WR Michael Thomas. When suited up and good to go, he’s a beast. The problem is that hasn’t been the case since 2019. Furthermore, stud running back Alvin Kamara is suspended for three games for uncouth extracurricular behaviour. To top it off, one of the defence’s leaders, cornerback Marshon Lattimore, is listed as questionable. In a nutshell, a lot of other guys are going to have to step up on a team that hasn’t made any splashes since Drew Brees’ final year in 2020.

Saints Record Prediction: 10-7

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Completing the quartet of clubs with question marks are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Filling in Tom Brady’s shoes is a tall task. Asking Baker Mayfield to take on the mantle only adds fuel to the fire that is peoples’ love-hate relationship with the former Cleveland Brown. No games have been played yet. He might perform extremely well. They signed him for a reason.

Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are his two top targets downfield. They were around before TB12 arrived in Tampa and remained after he retired. Expectations need to be higher for the running back committee, led by Rachaad White. The Bucs had the single-worst rushing attack in 2022 and by an uncomfortable margin to boot. If the defence can stay healthy, with guys like LB Shaquil Barrett and nose tackle Vita Vea, they have a fighter’s chance every week.

Buccaneers Record Prediction: 6-11