2023 NFC South Pre-Season Preview and Predictions: Who will win the South?

NFC South

The issue in this division is at the quarterback position, as the only proven NFL Starter in the division plays in New Orleans. Baker Mayfield will be the wild card; if he plays well the Bucs could easily win this division, if not it looks like the Saints will take it. The Falcons are dangerous but Desmond Ridder is not the man to get this team over the hump.

1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)

The Buccaneers possess an outstanding defense that features talent at every position along the perimeter, one of the league’s premier off-ball linebacker duos in Lavonte David and Devin White, and an effective secondary. Wide receiver Mike Evans and Chris Godwin form an elite duo, but issues cannot be overlooked with either Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask at quarterback. I think Mayfield wins the job, and if he is consistent, the Bucs could win this division, but when has Mayfield ever been consistent? That said, the defense should be good, and he has skill position players.

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2) New Orleans Saints (9-8)

The NFC South may be the worst division in 2023, making picking its champion challenging. But with Derek Carr as their most proven quarterback and an arguably balanced roster combining offensive and defensive talent, the Saints could emerge victorious in what could well become one of the toughest NFL divisions to predict in 2023. I still think they have an issue with head coach, and a lot of other unknowns exist with the other three teams in this division, With that being said, they have the best quarterback and best overall roster in the division, but I don’t know if that will be enough.

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3) Atlanta Falcons (7-10)

The Falcons should fare better this season after investing heavily in free agency and drafting Texas running back Bijan Robinson to bolster the backfield talent pool. Atlanta will likely run the ball heavily once again and could find themselves involved in more than a few close contests; however, second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder remains untested after four starts last season were just so-so. If Ridder proves to be a quality starter, the Falcons could win this division, but he won’t, and they won’t.

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4) Carolina Panthers: (5-12)

The Carolina Panthers have started off 2019 under head coach Frank Reich and rookie first overall pick Bryce Young with new hope, hoping he can turn into an effective NFL starter under Reich. While I believe in Young as an NFL quarterback and his ability to develop into one under him over time, unfortunately, they have significant holes across both defense and offense, and it will take time before this team becomes contenders again. Frank Reich should have never gotten this job, and I guess he won’t have it for long.

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