2022 NFL PREDICTIONS - NFC SOUTH

NFL / Football

Written by Joel Lefevre

For a couple of weeks, the NFC South seemed like a division that was up for grabs.

However, following the return of Tom Brady, it might be another year of teams playing catch-up against the Bucs throughout the regular season.

Source (Edited Photo, Background Photo): Getty Images, CBS Sports

Here is a breakdown of every team in the NFC South and where we project them to finish.

Carolina Panthers

Key Additions

Baker Mayfield (quarterback), Ikem Ekwonu (offensive tackle).

Key Subtractions

Haason Reddick (linebacker), Jermaine Carter (linebacker).

Biggest Strength

The Panthers possess an impressive group of pass catchers heading into the regular season as D.J. Moore has shown tremendous consistency in his career to date, averaging 1.99 yards per route run over four seasons, while Terrace Marshall enters year two with plenty of excitement.

Biggest Weakness

Adding Baker Mayfield gives them a better and more reliable quarterback than Sam Darnold but given how he left the Cleveland Browns, we wonder if those sort of off-field distractions will be too much for them to handle.

Projection- 3rd

Mayfield behind center allows their offence a much better opportunity to thrive, though, across the board,we believe they will still have a hard time competing against the likes of Tampa and New Orleans.

Atlanta Falcons

Key Additions

Drake London (wide receiver), Desmond Ridder (quarterback).

Key Subtractions

Russell Gage (wide receiver), Matt Ryan (quarterback).

Biggest Strength

A.J. Terrell was a revelation at the corner for the Falcons last season, allowing just 43.9% of passes thrown his way to be caught, while Casey Hayward showed that he still has some gas left in his tank.

Biggest Weakness

Atlanta had a difficult time getting to opposing QBs last year, and that might be an issue again this season as Grady Jarrett had only 38 pressures in 2021-22, while Lorenzo Carter has not been rated highly among NFL experts.

Projection- 4th

The Falcons might struggle to find a reliable quarterback who can maintain the kind of poise that Matt Ryan showed for years, while they allow far too much time to oppose pivots, which is an absolute killer.

New Orleans Saints

Key Additions

Jarvis Landry (wide receiver), Tyrann Mathieu (safety).

Key Subtractions

Terron Armstead (offensive tackle), Malcolm Jenkins (safety).

Biggest Strength

Adding Marcus May and Tyrann Mathieu should help soften the blow of losing Marcus Williams, as Dennis Allen’s secondary is experienced and solid when it comes to preventing big gains.

Paulson Adebo had four pass breakups to go along with three interceptions for New Orleans last year and should be able to grow with some solid veteran leaders around him.

Biggest Weakness

Losing Terron Armstead will make it challenging for the offensive line, as protecting the Saints quarterbacks will be an arduous task for rookie Trevor Penning, who has been be average at best.

Projection- 2nd

The Saints are solid in all facets of the game, but behind centre they have Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton, who might not be able to make them into contenders, yet they are still a solid team all-around.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Key Additions

Logan Ryan (safety), Russell Gage (wide receiver).

Key Subtractions

Jordan Whitehead (safety), Rob Gronkowski (tight end).

Biggest Strength

It is a no-brainer that the most vital component for Tampa is their quarterback as the G.O.A.T. instantly turns them from a good team into a great one.

He is as resilient now as he was in his younger years, and even if the receiving corps is not as strong, Brady always seems to find a way to make average players look great.

Biggest Weakness

If Gronk is genuinely finished and not coming back, then the tight end spot will be a complicated one for the Bucs as Cameron Brate may be counted upon to take the reins; some big shoes to fill for a guy who was number three on their depth charts last season.

Projection- 1st

You don’t get the title of G.O.A.T for nothing, and Brady still has a solid supporting cast who can help him and the Bucs be a potent offensive unit even without Gronkowski.