2008 Season Preview: NFC South

This has been the division of least dominance over the last five years. Each season, the team that finished in last place the previous year has ended up winning the division. Each team has won it at least once and been to a conference championship game. Will this season follow the trend? (Here's a hint, no.)

Atlanta Falcons



Last Season: 4-12

Why they will be good: Uh, I don't know. I think, much like the Dolphins, they can't be much worse. They had a nice draft and are trying to build from the bottom up. Just because they don't have a lot of proven NFL talent on the roster doesn't mean there is no NFL talent. Their success will likely depend on the immediate impact of rookies, especially quarterback Matt Ryan.

Why they will struggle: Did I mention they don't have much proven NFL talent? As we saw with the Dolphins last year trying your best doesn't get you much in this league unless you have some talent and ability on the roster. The schedule isn't mighty tough but they should be an underdog in most every game.

Vegas Over/Under Win Total: 4.5 - This is a tough call. My blind prediction was 4-12 so therefore I'd take the under, but I wouldn't feel too confident about it.

Carolina Panthers



Last Season: 7-9

Why they will be good: The Panthers to me have either been perennial under-achievers or perennially overrated. They always seem to be a trendy pick to surprise people. Do they have the talent and just never come through, or are they honestly about where they should be? I say the former. This team has talent and in this division should be good. It's a big year for head coach John Fox. The addition of Jonathan Stewart will improve the running game and help them control the clock and the scoreboard.

Why they will struggle: They played four different quarterbacks last year (more than the Dolphins!) one of which being 44-year old Vinny Testaverde. They must have one guy, likely Jake Delhomme, step up and solidify the position. That means playing well and staying healthy. If not the may have to resort to Matt Moore or Brett Basanez.

Vegas Over/Under Win Total: 7.5 - Another close one. I'll say over, barely. The schedule isn't too difficult and they should be one game better than last year.

New Orleans Saints



Last Season: 7-9

Why they will be good: I'm high on the Saints this year. They got off to a poor start last year and didn't finish well but for the bulk of the season played well. I love the addition of Jonathan Vilma and Jeremy Shockey. They have good players at the skill positions and now head coach Sean Payton has a little more experience. In this division and the soft schedule, they should thrive.

Why they will struggle: They must not get off to a bad start and have a snowball effect to derail the season. Consistency will be the name of the game for them. Also, with the game in London, they only have seven home games, along with nine road games, one of which obviously being a long way away. They better not get fatigued.

Vegas Over/Under Win Total: 8.5 This is the easiest decision so far. Over. They have four games against teams that were 4-12 last year. They should win those and at least five out of the other twelve.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers



Last Season: 9-7, Division Winner, Lost Wild Card Game

Why they will be good: They were good for fourteen games last year before shutting it down and then getting soundly defeated by the Giants in the playoffs. They maintain much of the roster that has a lot of veteran players that know what it takes to win. The addition of Warrick Dunn on offense and Aqib Talib in the secondary should help.

Why they will struggle: I think they overachieved last year. They took advantage of a weak division clinched it early. They will have a rougher time with the division foes this year along with games against the Cowboys and Seahawks. The veteran players are good to have but the risk of injury and fatigue at the end of the season is higher.

Vegas Over/Under Win Total: 8 - I'm tempted to say push but I'll man up and pick a side. Under. Like I said, the division and schedule is tougher.

Overall Outlook

Division Winner: New Orleans Saints
Wild Card Possibilities: Carolina Panthers

Be sure to stay tuned to all of the season previews along with the recap and season predictions.