Despite often being overshadowed by other divisions in the NFL, the NFC South has plenty to offer this season. Each team brings unique storylines and competitive dynamics that promise to capture the attention of football fans. The rising Atlanta Falcons, along with the competitive Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints, add excitement to the division. Additionally, the Carolina Panthers offer intrigue as they aim to rebound from their struggles in 2023.
In a year where many divisions might be chasing brand names, the NFC South stands out for its potential value and excitement. The division features various storylines, from playoff seeding battles to potential dark horse teams. As the season progresses, this division may surprise many with its level of competition and entertainment.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for an exciting 2024 season, drawing heightened interest from fans and analysts alike. With numerous key additions and strategic changes, they appear poised to improve on their 7-10 record from 2023.
Key Changes and Additions
Roster Additions
- Kirk Cousins (QB)
- Antonio Hamilton (CB)
- Ray-Ray McCloud (WR)
- Darnell Mooney (WR)
- Rondale Moore (WR)
- Michael Penix Jr. (QB)
- Ruke Orhorhoro (DL)
- Bralen Trice (Edge)
Roster Subtractions
- Bud Dupree (Edge)
- Matt Hennessy (C)
- Van Jefferson (WR)
- Mack Hollins (WR)
- Jeff Okudah (CB)
- Cordarrelle Patterson (WR)
- Desmond Ridder (QB)
- Jonnu Smith (TE)
Season Predictions
The 2024 season comes with promising forecasts for the Falcons. Below are the major odds:
- Super Bowl odds: +2500
- To Win Conference odds: +1200
- Division odds: -130
- Odds to make the Playoffs: Yes -210, No +165
- Season Win Total: Over 9.5 (-140), Under 9.5 (+110)
Highlight Games
The most pivotal game is scheduled for Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings. This match holds significant emotional weight for Kirk Cousins, marking his return to face his former team. Fans eagerly await this reunion as Cousins seeks to prove himself against Minnesota’s younger roster.
Players to Watch
Bijan Robinson stands out as a must-watch player, with odds of +1400 to lead the NFL in rushing yards. As a promising rookie, Robinson has already demonstrated substantial potential, and further honing under a new coaching staff could elevate his performance even more.
Potential Breakout Star
Kyle Pitts (TE) is expected to benefit immensely from the revamped offensive strategy and Kirk Cousins’ presence. Previous management seldom employed plays involving three or more receivers. Early signs in practice indicate a shift towards a more aggressive game plan, which should play to Pitts’ strengths.
Betting Insights
The Falcons are increasingly seen as contenders for the NFC South title. The addition of an experienced QB like Kirk Cousins is posited to be a huge upgrade from last year’s options. Despite questions lingering around their pass defense, the team’s dynamic offense promises to make them one of the most entertaining teams in the NFL. A Super Bowl run might seem far-fetched, but it’s reasonable to expect a season that reinstates respect for the Falcons.
Overall, the Atlanta Falcons are set to make significant strides this season, with a roster that combines seasoned veterans and promising newcomers to navigate the upcoming challenges and opportunities.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter this season with Super Bowl odds of +6600 and an optimistic view on their chances to win the division with +325 odds. Their performance last year, finishing with a 9-8 record and topping the NFC South, sets a challenging but achievable benchmark.
Team Composition
Key additions to the roster include Edge Randy Gregory, CB Bryce Hall, G Sua Opeta, S Jordan Whitehead, OL Graham Barton, Edge Chris Braswell, S Tykee Smith, and WR Jalen McMillan. These players are expected to fill critical roles and provide depth across various positions.
However, the team also faces the impact of key subtractions such as Edge Shaquil Barrett, CB Carlton Davis, G Nick Leverett, G Aaron Stinnie, and LB Devin White. Adjusting to these losses will be pivotal for the Buccaneers’ success.
Crucial Matchups
One of the most important games on the schedule is Week 2 against the Detroit Lions. This matchup serves as an early test for the Buccaneers, providing an opportunity to measure their competitiveness against an elite team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season.
Betting Insights
For those looking at betting projections, the Buccaneers’ odds are varied. They have +3300 odds to win the conference and are at +150 to make the playoffs. The season win total is set at over 7.5 (-145) and under 7.5 (+115). Given their challenging schedule in the first 10 weeks, their ability to weather this stretch will likely define their season.
Players to Watch
Mike Evans remains a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ offense. The prop to watch is his over 1,050.5 receiving yards (-110). Evans has consistently surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his ten seasons, including 1,255 yards last year. His reliability makes this an attractive bet.
Another player to keep an eye on is Chris Godwin. With new offensive coordinator Liam Coen suggesting a new role for Godwin in the slot, there’s potential for an uptick in touchdowns. Godwin has delivered in terms of yardage but has only converted five touchdowns in the last two seasons.
Competition Within The Division
| To win Super Bowl | To win division | To make the playoffs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | +2500 | -130 | -210 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | +6600 | +325 | +150 |
| New Orleans Saints | +8000 | +350 | +170 |
| Carolina Panthers | +25000 | +1100 | +550 |
The Buccaneers are set in a competitive division. Atlanta Falcons lead the odds to win the division at -130, with a high confidence (+2500) of making a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers must contend with the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers, who are also vying for the division title and playoff spots.
Final Thoughts
While the Falcons seem primed to dominate the NFC South with Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. stabilizing their quarterback position, the Buccaneers still possess enough talent to stay competitive. Much depends on Baker Mayfield building on last year’s performance and consistent contributions from key players like Mike Evans. With a rigorous early schedule, how they navigate the first half of the season will be crucial.
These factors make the Tampa Bay Buccaneers one of the more intriguing teams to follow this season. They have the talent and potential to surprise and continue their streak of division successes.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints head into the 2024 season with several strategic changes and high hopes. After finishing the 2023 season with a 9-8 record, securing the second spot in the NFC South, they have made some notable additions to their squad. Adding experience and dynamic playmaking ability, players like LB Willie Gay, WR Cedrick Wilson Jr., and Edge Chase Young stand out. Additionally, rookie talents such as QB Spencer Rattler and CB Kool-Aid McKinstry provide depth and future promise.
However, the team also faced significant departures. Key losses include LB Zack Baun, WR Michael Thomas, and QB Jameis Winston. These exits have left gaps in both leadership and on-field performance that the newly acquired players will aim to fill.
Key Odds and Projections
- Super Bowl odds: +8000
- To win conference odds: +3500
- Division odds: +350
- Odds to make the playoffs: Yes +170, No -220
- Season win total: Over 7.5 (-130), Under 7.5 (+100)
Season Highlights and Challenges
Challenging times are predicted for the Saints despite their additions. Their offensive and defensive lines are seen as weak points, though the season is still laden with potential. The most crucial game on their schedule is Week 7 against the Denver Broncos. This game will feature the reunion with former Saints coach Sean Payton, now leading the Broncos, which adds an emotional layer to the contest.
Players to Watch
Chris Olave: The prop bet to monitor this season is Chris Olave surpassing 1,075.5 receiving yards. Olave amassed 1,123 receiving yards in 2023 and with the absence of Michael Thomas, he is expected to take on a larger role. As his rapport with quarterback Derek Carr strengthens, so does his potential to eclipse last year’s performance.
Rasheed Shaheed: A breakout candidate, Rasheed Shaheed is turning heads. Last season, he increased his touchdown count to five, all coming from long passes over 20 yards. His ability to generate high passer ratings on deep throws makes him one to watch, especially under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who is renowned for crafting big plays.
Betting Insights
Analysts have a cautious outlook for the Saints. While the team boasts a few standout talents, their overall depth and line strength are under scrutiny. Many of their additions are either new to the league or relatively untested. Betting against the Saints making the playoffs at -220 appears to be a prudent move, given their projected struggles.
In summary, the New Orleans Saints enter the 2024 NFL season with potential but also face several challenges. Key additions and optimistic player performances might not be enough to overcome structural weaknesses, making their playoff prospects uncertain.
Carolina Panthers
Super Bowl odds: +25000
To win conference odds: +12500
Division odds: +1100
Odds to make the playoffs: Yes +550, No -900
Season win total: Over 5.5 (-130), Under 5.5 (+100)
2023 Performance
The Carolina Panthers closed the 2023 season with a disappointing 2-15 record, positioning them last in the NFC South. Significant changes and restructuring are expected for the upcoming season, given their last-place finish.
Key Additions and Losses
The Panthers made notable moves in the off-season to improve their roster. Key additions include:
- Edge Jadeveon Clowney
- Safety Jordan Fuller
- Guard Robert Hunt
- Wide Receiver Diontae Johnson
- Guard Damien Lewis
- Defensive Lineman A’Shawn Robinson
- Wide Receiver Xavier Legette
- Running Back Jonathon Brooks
- Linebacker Trevin Wallace
In contrast, several impactful players departed:
- Safety Vonn Bell
- Center Bradley Bozeman
- Edge Brian Burns
- Cornerback Donte Jackson
- Linebacker Frankie Luvu
- Tight End Hayden Hurst
Crucial Game: Week 13 vs. Buccaneers
A standout game to watch this season will be in Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This matchup holds particular significance as it marks the return of new head coach Dave Canales, who previously served as Tampa’s offensive coordinator. The intrigue lies in whether Canales can outwit his former team, especially the quarterback he helped develop, Baker Mayfield.
Prop Bet: Worst Regular Season Record
A prop bet worth noting is the Panthers having the worst regular season record at +700 odds. The win total line set at 5.5 suggests a healthier outlook compared to the last season, yet the team remains one of the frontrunners for finishing at the bottom.
Breakout Player Watch: Bryce Young
A potential breakout player for the Panthers is quarterback Bryce Young. Despite a challenging rookie season, where his QB rating was among the worst for any modern-era NFL starter with 15+ games, there is optimism. The addition of receivers Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette can provide him with better support. How well Young integrates these new assets under Coach Canales could be pivotal.
Betting Outlook
The Panthers face a long road to recovery. Following a 2-15 season, the general sentiment is that improvement is inevitable. The team’s potential hinges greatly on the rapport between Coach Canales and Bryce Young. Should Young display significant progress, the Panthers could emerge as a markedly improved team. Still, playoff contention seems to remain a stretch. Observers are advised to monitor their preseason and early-season performances closely. This will provide a clearer indication of whether the team might surprise many or if they are primed for another stratum at the league’s bottom. The Panthers sit as a wildcard pick, best approached with cautious optimism.
