Time for the NFC South
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Falcons are the team poised to win the NFC South. The team is stronger than ever w/ QB Matt Ryan under center, throwing to TE Tony Gonzalez, WR Roddy White and even RB Michael Turner, who are all expected to have huge seasons, as well as a solid defense. A strange schedule they face, which does not include any back-to-back home or away games at all, Atlanta has their work cut out for them.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Carolina has the talent in QB Cam Newton, WR Steve Smith, RBs Jonathan Stewart & DeAngelo Williams and TE Greg Olsen, now they need the wins. Newton had the ability to run and pass, now he needs to improve on a disappointing campaign in 2011. Now Coach Ron Rivera in his 2nd season also needs to get better and this team could surprise. They have a fairly easy schedule against TB and New Orleans, then hosting NY Giants Week 3 (Thursday Night Game). Road trips to Atlanta, Kansas City and Philadelphia could determine how they fare this season.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The team that has been favored to win the AFC South, won't this season. The Saints have been involved with "Bounty-gate" which surfaced in the offseason, resulting in the suspensions of Coach Sean Payton & DE Jonathan Vilma for the entire season, DE Will Smith for the first 4 games, as well as other coaches/players. Under Interim Head Coaches Aaron Kromer (thru Week 6) and Joe Vitt (Games 7-16), QB Drew Brees tries to overcome the bounty scandal and will be able to try to set records again, throwing to TE Jimmy Graham, WRs Marques Colston, Devery Henderson & Lance Moore. The ground game will be weak, but I'm expecting RB Mark Ingram to have an improving season after suffering injuries in 2011. Games at Green Bay (Week 4), at Denver (Week 8) and home against Philly (Week 9) catch my eye if this team has a shot at playoffs.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The most-improved team in the offseason is Tampa Bay. The Bucs hired former Rutgers coach Greg Schiano as their new head coach. QB Josh Freeman looks to have a big season after showing weakness in 2011. RBs LeGarrette Blount and Doug Martin will split time on the ground. Freeman's receiving targets include former Charger Vincent Jackson, TE Dallas Clark, WR Mike Williams and WR Arrelious Benn. Defense will have issues, but does have veterans like Ronde Barber. Tampa has tough road games against NY Giants & Dallas beginning of the season, but they do host Denver and Philadelphia later in the year. This will be a re-building year and we'll see improvement on this team.
PREDICTIONS
Atlanta 13-3
Carolina 8-8
Tampa Bay 7-9
New Orleans 7-9
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