Atlanta Falcons
In a relatively weak NFC South, the Falcons have a great opportunity to take their first division title since 2016. The Saints are mediocre, Tom Brady is no longer in Tampa Bay, and Carolina isn’t a threat at this stage of Bryce Young’s career. Atlanta hasn’t exactly been world beaters themselves in the last few years, but with a new coaching regime and a new veteran quarterback, there’s hope for the Falcons in 2024.
In years past, quarterback play has certainly hurt this franchise. Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Bijan Robinson are all extremely talented players on offence, but without an effective quarterback, they’re yet to reach the heights many people had envisioned for them. With Kirk Cousins back there now, all three players could end up having the best seasons of their young careers so far.
There will certainly be growing pains for both Cousins and head coach Raheem Morris in their new situations, but I expect the Falcons to take a step on both sides of the ball this year. Their competition within the division certainly doesn’t hurt their chances at success, either.
Prediction: 10-7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last season, the Bucs won the NFC South with a 9-8 record and a points differential of +23 with a 4-2 record in divisional play. Baker Mayfield was surprisingly good as the team’s starting quarterback, while Mike Evans and Rachaad White contributed significantly to the pass game as his two favourite targets. Defensively, the team was a great example of the ‘bend but don’t break’ mentality. Although they ranked 23rd in yards against, only six teams had fewer points against. With standouts like Lavonte David and Antoine Winfield Jr. back again this year, I don’t expect to see much change statistically with this unit. That’s certainly not a bad thing.
By the end of the year, the Bucs could be in a great spot to grab their fourth straight division title. Atlanta is certainly more of a threat, but the learning curve in new situations could mean a slow start for the Falcons. As long as Baker Mayfield can continue the play that led Tampa Bay to the NFC Divisional round last year, this team will be in the mix.
Prediction: 9-8
New Orleans Saints
Since the departure of Hall of Famer Drew Brees, things haven’t quite been the same in New Orleans. After winning four straight NFC South titles, the Saints have had three straight seasons with less than ten wins and zero playoff appearances. They’ve also had multiple starting quarterbacks, which is never easy to deal with in the NFL. In 2024, Derek Carr will be under centre again, and although he’s better than a fair share of QBs right now, he’s certainly not a top option, either. With Alvin Kamara getting older and a lack of talent at receiver outside of Chris Olave, this Saints team lacks the offensive firepower it had for so long. With that being said, they did make strides in improving their numbers last year, and actually finished near the middle of the league in offensive statistics.
Defensively, New Orleans should be solid again. The unit has strong players all over the field, but on the offence’s off-days, they may be in for a lot of work. Despite being a top ten defence in each of the last three years in terms of points against, New Orleans hasn’t made the postseason once in that time. Not a great sign for the other side of the ball.
Prediction: 8-9
Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young’s rookie campaign certainly didn’t go the way Carolina wanted it to, but with the supporting cast around him, nothing was going to be easy last year. This offseason, the franchise made an effort to get him some help by signing multiple offensive linemen and WR Diontae Johnson, as well as drafting WR Xavier Legette. It’s hard to imagine this team challenging for a playoff spot, even in the NFC South, but I do expect a much more competent offence to take the field in Carolina this year.
On the other side of the ball, Carolina was quietly very good last season. Despite ranking 29th in points against, they ranked 4th in the league in yardage against. With such a stagnant offence, it was very difficult for the unit to hold teams under 20 points based simply on how much they were on the field and always being on the losing side of the field position battle. Unfortunately, star DE Brian Burns is no longer with the Panthers. The hole he leaves is a significant one, but hopefully new head coach Dave Canales has a few ideas on how to fill it.
They may take a step in the right direction this year, but I wouldn’t expect much from one of the league’s weakest rosters. If Bryce Young struggles again this year, it’ll officially be panic time in Carolina.
Prediction: 4-13
________________________________________________________________________________________
Check out our other Season Previews here –
AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West | NFC East | NFC North | NFC West |
