- Buccaneers 11-6*
- Panthers 9-8
- Falcons 9-8
- Saints 2-15
Division Overview:
- I think this is going to be a fun division this season. I see a division with sneaky-good QB’s. I’m a major believer in Michael Penix Jr, and the end of last season left a lot of hope for Bryce Young. The Saints are the lone “bad” team I see in this division, but while the talent might not be there, there could be some pride and feistiness that leads to some competitive games.
Buccaneers
- Losses: @ Seahawks, Patriots, @ Bills, Cardinals, Falcons, @ Panthers
- As big of a Texas Longhorn fan as I am, I hate how much I like Baker Mayfield in the NFL. You would think the OU-Texas A&M connection of Mayfield to Mike Evans would have me seething, but I see big things coming out of Tampa this season. Bucky Irving out of the backfield along with Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin should lead to a top offense with their protection up front. The defense will be able to get after it too with HC Todd Bowles’ aggressive tendencies. Antoine Winfield Jr returning health this season should help the backend of the defense come together this season.
Panthers
- Losses: @ Cardinals, Falcons, @ Patriots, @ Jets, @ Packers, @ 49ers, Seahawks, @ Buccaneers
- The Panthers will be competing for a playoff spot this season. Drafting Tetairoa McMillan to go along with Xavier Leggette and Chuba Hubbard will give Young some weapons to work with. I loved their draft on defense with two Edges and Lathan Ransom at safety could lead to three contributors on defense to lead to a more balanced team for Coach Dave Canales.
Falcons
- Losses: Buccaneers, Commanders, @ 49ers, @ Patriots, Panthers, @ Saints, @ Cardinals, Rams
- The Falcons could contend for the best offense in the NFL. I love Michael Penix as the second best QB from his draft class after Jayden Daniels. Add in Drake London, Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud and a good offensive line and they should put up points with the best of them. The defense has a lot of potential, if their round one gamble of doubling up at edge pays off and Jalon Walker and James Pearce both pan out, look out because Jessie Bates III at safety is dangerous with AJ Terrell Jr and sneaky awesome draft pick Billy Bowman Jr gives this defense a lot of potential.
Saints
- Wins: Falcons, @ Dolphins
- The Saints are experiencing the equivalent to what happens when you continually pay the minimum on your credit card while continuing to use it and the interest begins to pile up and become due. Talent here is lacking, and Kellen Moore, while talented, is a first time head coach. It feels like these next two years are going to be long for Saints fans.
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