Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) warms up on the sphere earlier than the sport towards the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports activities NFC South Division Preview
Estimated completion order and document in 2024
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
Baker Mayfield’s continued resurgence at quarterback and a stable protection will result in a fourth straight division title.
Atlanta Falcons (9-8)
Kirk Cousins will get an improve at quarterback, plus edge rusher Matthew Judon and security Justin Simmons after a six-year absence A return to the playoffs turns into a actuality.
New Orleans Saints (7-10)
They may very well be higher than this, however provided that an offensive line that includes three unproven starters can gel rapidly.
Carolina Panthers (5-12)
Rookie coach Dave Canales will profit Bryce Younger simply as he did Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield, however the group’s ceiling stays low.
–NFC South’s prime MVP candidate
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield
Mayfield had his best season in 2023 and earned an enormous contract. His management and elevated consolation degree with huge receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and tight finish Cade Otten in his second season ought to imply a terrific offensive season.
Saints quarterback Derek Carr
If the offensive line is okay, Carr ought to thrive below first-year coordinator Clint Kubiak. The flexibility of Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill, in addition to the playmaking fashion that makes use of younger receivers Chris Olave and Rasheed Shaheed, needs to be paying homage to the 49 Kubiak delivered to the desk. Crew system.
Falcons RB Bijan Robinson
The system run by new coordinator Zac Robinson with the Rams ought to permit Robinson, who had over 1,000 yards of whole offense as a rookie final season, to excel.
——Nationwide League South breakout participant
Buccaneers RB Rachad White
The arrival of former Rams coordinator Liam Cohen from Kentucky needs to be an ideal match with White’s measurement and athleticism, each as a runner and in display performs.
Buccaneers LB Yaya Diaby
Diaby carried out effectively as a rookie final season, finishing 7.5 sacks, and his continued maturation will make him much more efficient as a sophomore.
Falcons WR Drake London
Inconsistency at quarterback restricted the group’s passing capability final season, however Cousins’ consistency and Bejan Robinson will create alternatives for London.
Falcons CB AJ Terrell
Terrell is a rising defensive star, and signing this huge new deal will permit him to give attention to changing into an elite playmaker.
Panthers quarterback Bryce Younger
As a rookie, Younger by no means acquired an opportunity towards a poor offensive line. The Panthers upgraded their roster and Canales will lead him to a greater season.
Panthers CB Jaycee Horn
Horn has been restricted by accidents his first three seasons, however he performed in 13 video games final season and continued well being can be key to him changing into the chief of a protection that wants one.
Saints WR/RS Rashid Shahid
Shahid’s explosiveness makes him a harmful receiver and receiving specialist. He’ll profit from Kubiak’s scheme and the brand new kickoff guidelines, which is able to present extra alternatives.
Saints DT Bryan Bresee
The previous Clemson star had a stellar rookie season in 2023 and is already within the beginning lineup. The emergence of Cam Jordan and the arrival of Chase Younger on the surface will make Bresee a steady playmaker inside.
Outlook for the primary week
Panthers vs. Saints, 1 p.m. ET
The Panthers and 2023 No. 1 decide Bryce Younger can be keen to point out they’re improved from final season’s 2-15 document below a brand new group. They will face a tricky problem towards what needs to be an excellent protection from the Saints, who desperately want a win to begin off with video games towards the Cowboys, Eagles, Falcons, Chiefs and Buccaneers subsequent.
Steelers vs. Falcons, 1 p.m. ET
Visiting Pittsburgh welcomed new veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, with Cousins making his Falcons debut. Atlanta’s protection must show it will probably maintain up towards Wilson and 1,000-yard rusher Najee Harris, who ought to excel in an offense coordinated by former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith.
Buccaneers vs. Commanders, 4:25 p.m. ET
Washington will begin with former Falcons coach Dan Quinn and second-overall draft decide Jayden Daniels, a Heisman Trophy quarterback from LSU, with former Cardinals head coach Kilf ·Kingsbury coordinates the offense. However host Tampa will take extra of a “if it ain’t broke, do not repair it” method.
–Scene-level media
