Continuing my division-by division season preview this week the NFC South is up. Home to Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers who are looking to win their fourth straight division title. The Panthers are at the top while the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be competing for second place.
2015 NFC South Division Standings
1st Carolina Panthers 15-1
2nd Atlanta Falcons 8-8
3rd New Orleans Saints 7-9
4th Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-10
Carolina Panthers
With Cam Newton leading the offense and Luke Kuechly covering the entire field on the defense the Panthers will once again dominate the NFC South. Kelvin Benjamin returns as the number one receiver after missing all of the 2015 season with a torn ACL. They won't be able to match their 15-1 again this season but they may be better team on the field.
Projected Record 1st place 12-4
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are entering their second season under Head Coach Dan Quinn whose rebuilt the defense in just two years. For years the Falcons have struggled rushing the passer but this year should finally be different with Vic Beasley rushing opposite veteran Dwight Freeney.
Matt Ryan didn't play up to his standards last season but Devonta Freeman emerged as explosive playmaker. Julio Jones will continue to demand double coverage which should give free agent acquisition Mohamed Sanu the chance to have the best season of his career.
Projected Record 2nd place 8-8
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As a rookie Jameis Winston helped the Buccaneers improve their win total by four last season. This offseason he lost his baby weight and got into the type of shape an elite NFL quarterback needs to be in. In his sophomore campaign Winston has to continue to get better. Gerald McCoy will continue to anchor the defense from upfront.
Projected Record 7-9
New Orleans Saints
The Saints haven't won the division since the 2011 season and that drought will continue. At 37 years old Drew Brees enters his 11th season as the starting quarterback in the Superdome. Brees play hasn't dropped of yet year and year out the Saints are a top ten offense. The problem continues to be their defense that didn't improve much this offseason other than selecting defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins in the first round.
Projected Record 6-10
