NFC South

Greg and I have been previewing each NFL division leading up to the regular season. Last week, we covered the AFC. Surprisingly, we predicted the same finish in all four divisions. This week, we’ll cover the NFC, and there is no way we agree again right?

NFC South

Division Winner: Atlanta Falcons (Both)

Division Cellar: Carolina Panthers (Greg), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Andrew)

Other Playoff Teams: None (Both)

1. Atlanta Falcons

Greg - This team should really only get better over the next 3 or 4 years. They fell just short of the Super Bowl last season and should improve this season. Steven Jackson should help the running attack and the return of Tony Gonzalez should help Matt Ryan for one more season.

Andrew – The Falcons have routinely dominated the regular season the last couple years, only to fall short in the playoffs. This team clearly has an exceptional offense, particularly now with Steven Jackson in the mix. But I still don’t trust the defense one bit, especially in this division. With that said, I think they edge the other teams in a tight race, before losing in their first playoff game.

2. New Orleans Saints

Greg - Sean Payton's return to the sideline cannot be overvalued. His absence was a disaster for the overall success of the team, and his return this year should help them be right there with a chance at the playoffs.

Andrew – Even with Steven Jackson and Darrelle Revis joining the league, the biggest addition in the division was this team re-acquiring their head coach Sean Payton, who is returning from a suspension. They missed him last year in a very noticeable way, and he makes them a playoff contender once again. Similar to Atlanta though, can the defense get enough stops to support the explosive offense?

3 or 4. Carolina Panthers

Greg - Cam Newton will improve, the defense will improve, and Ron Rivera will lose his job. This team must make the playoffs to save his job, and they will be in every game they play this year, but will come up just a few division losses short of making it.

Andrew – This team has improved each year with Cam Newton, so I think they end up finishing around .500 this season. They will get it done in a slightly different way than the teams above however. Whereas the Falcons and Saints will do it through offense, the Panthers will be carried by a potentially stout defense. Luke Kuechly was a beast last year, and I think he takes it further and wins NFL DPOY honors. He’ll be supported by others, most noticeably rookie Star. And on offense, it will be a complete Cam show, as they still lack elite receiving talent that other teams have.

3 or 4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Greg – The defense should improve, and the offense should also in Greg Schiano's second season as the head coach. Doug Martin's health and Josh Freeman's growth as a QB should make the team much more competitive this season. They will be better, but not quite make the playoffs.

Andrew – I think this will be an improved team from last year, but I don’t know if they will improve as much as the other teams. I love that they added “Revis Island”, but they actually need more from their offense to fully reach their potential. It’s a make or beak year for QB Josh Freeman, so he better step up. One person I know will have a great year though is second year running back Doug Martin. He’s a stud.

Preseason Division Awards (AFC West)

Offensive MVP: Drew Brees (Both)

Defensive MVP: Luke Kuechly (Both)

Rookie of the Year: Kenny Vaccaro (Greg), Star Lotulelei (Andrew)

Free Agent of the Year: Steven Jackson (Both)

By: The Sports Guys