FanPost

Not-So Premature Predictions: NFC South

Only two parts left in the series of predictions as we take a look at the NFC South. To put it simply, this division is good. Two of the teams could be legitimate Super Bowl contenders and the other two have a shot at making the playoffs. While the defenses in this division aren't anything to write home about, the offenses are scary. Like zombie clowns who can fly and breathe fire scary. So now that I've left you with that wonderful image, let's get started with the predictions. As always, the teams are in the order that I see them finishing in their division. Feel free to comment with thoughts and your own predictions.

Atlanta Falcons: This offense will score more points than any team in the league. I just don't even know where to start with this offense. There are so many weapons for Matt Ryan to destroy defenses with, that I'm sure he has nightmares about having to choose his favorite one. Julio Jones, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, Steven Jackson. You could argue that each one of these guys deserves a double-team and would be totally justified. The problem for the defense is that they only get to put out 11 players at a time. I don't see how this group can be stopped. Couple that with the fact that the Falcons defense isn't so great, presenting the necessity of scoring 30+ points a game, and you've got the best offense in the NFL.

New Orleans Saints: This team will score the second-most points in the league. Drew Brees is a pretty good quarterback. Sean Payton is a pretty good coach. Drew Brees and Sean Payton together make magic happen. Brees destroyed the passing yards record last year without his BFF of a head coach, and I expect him to be as good if not better this year. Similarly to the Falcons, they also have a suspect defense as well as a mediocre running game, so they'll have to throw it a lot. I have the Falcons beating them out for the division title, but it's gonna be a shoot-out to see who ends up on top.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: This defense will allow fewer passing touchdowns than any other team in the league. Revis, Goldson, Barron, and rookie Jonathan Banks. These are some darn good defensive backs. I expect this team to be very hard to throw the ball against, as it is very hard to see a weak spot in their backfield. Couple that with some decent linebackers and a D-line full of first round picks, and you've got something that could be much improved from last year.

Carolina Panthers: Luke Kuechly will lead the NFL in tackles. This guy is all over the field. In his second year in the NFL, I expect that he'll improve upon his impressive rookie campaign and place himself near the top of the defensive player of the year race. The defense overall isn't so great, further increasing the chances that he'll be the one making the plays on a regular basis. By the end of the year, Kuechly will be considered one of the best linebackers in the NFL.

This Fanpost was written by a Windy City Gridiron member and does not necessarily reflect the ideas or opinions of its staff or community.