The NFC South or at least one team from that division might have a better season than last year. This was the worst division in the NFL last season for sure. Things will change as they transition from the AFC North and NFC West to the AFC South and NFC North. The North is wide open, and the AFC South is another weak division. That should help improve the entire division as far as win totals go. However, it’s still wide open and even the obvious winner in 2023 is no guarantee.

NFC SOUTH

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

The Saints should’ve won the division, but they didn’t have a quarterback. This season, they have one in Derek Carr from free agency. Now, they should win the division. With depth at running back, receiver, and a good offensive line, the offense should be really good as long as they all stay healthy. We’re aware of how good this defense is. Cam Jordan, Pete Werner, Tyrann Mathieu, and Marshon Lattimore are a real force. They host Tennessee, Jacksonville, Detroit, and the Giants while traveling to Green Bay, New England, Minnesota, and the Rams. The Saints have by far the easiest schedule in their division.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Atlanta could be right behind New Orleans. If not, they have a shot at a wild card spot. The roster has potential to be good and compete against good opponents. They have Desmond Ridder, depth at running back, Drake London and hopefully Kyle Pitts if they target him more. Defense should improve after acquiring Kaden Elliss, veterans Calais Campbell, Jessie Bates III, and Bud Dupree at each level while returning Grady Jarrett and A.J. Terrell. The Falcons have a fairly easy schedule hosting Green Bay and Minnesota, but road games at Detroit, Tennessee, and the Jets, with an overseas matchup against the Jags could determine Atlanta’s overall improvement.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Despite the division having a lighter schedule, the Bucs got the short end of the stick because they play road games at Minnesota, Buffalo, San Francisco, and Green Bay, while hosting the Eagles, Lions, Titans, and Jaguars. Despite the talent they have with Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirfs, Vita Vea, Devin White, Lavonte David, and Antoine Winfield Jr., it’s not looking good for the Bucs this season. A win in Week 1 against the Vikings could set the tone for the entire season.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Panthers are young with potential, but they were dealt a tough blow on their schedule. Bryce Young’s the guy with a good backfield, while Adam Thielen and Hayden Hurst lead a young pass catching unit. However, the offensive line must be more disciplined, and the entire offense must stay healthy. Defense should be as good as last season with a good front four, an experienced/veteran linebacker unit, and a good mix of young and experienced secondary. As I said before, the schedule is tough. Road games at Seattle, Detroit, Miami, Tennessee, and Jacksonville could wear on them. Home games against Minnesota, Dallas, and Green Bay could be 50-50, but there’s no guarantee they’ll win those matchups.