NFL Team Football Schedule & Predictions 2014: Will New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers Win NFC South? [POLL]
The NFC South is without a doubt the weirdest division in the National Football League.
Since the division was founded in 2002, no team has been able to repeat as division champions.
That's incredible, because three of those teams did make it all the way to the Super Bowl since 2002. The NFL season kicks off this week, so we're going to preview the entire division and let you pick a winner:
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers won the division last season at 12-4 . Former No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton continues to improve and this defense did rank No. 2 in the league last season. Linebacker Luke Kuechly won the Defensive Player of the Year Award for his great 2013 campaign.
Can the Panthers break the NFC South curse? Unfortunately for Newton, the four most productive wide receivers from last year are no longer with the team. Tight end Greg Olsen will be Newton's favorite target. The Panthers open their season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have been the most successful team in the division in recent years. They have a Coach of the Year Award winner, Super Bowl MVP quarterback and they have won 11 or more games in four of the last five years. Drew Brees has passed for more than 5,000 yards the last three consecutive seasons, a fantasy football player's dream.
The Saints offense will be fine, and their defense did improve in the offseason. The Saints made one of the biggest additions by signing free safety Jairus Byrd to a six-year deal. This team (along with the Seahawks) has one of the loudest fan bases in the league. The Saints open their season against the Falcons in Atlanta.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers were the busiest NFC South team this offseason. They brought in Lovie Smith as their new head coach, and Josh McCown to throw the football for them. This team is in transition and rebuilding mode, so it would be asking a lot for them to win the division this season.
But then again, this is the NFC South, where anything can happen. McCown played great last season for the Chicago Bears, throwing 13 touchdowns to just one interception. McCown has never played a full season before, but he'll get his chance this season to prove his worth. Doug Martin is also a great running back when healthy.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are usually the most consistent team in the division. They had a winning record all five seasons with Matt Ryan as their starting quarterback, but last season was a disaster. The team finished 4-12, and never had a chance to win the division.
Even though the Falcons had a terrible season last year, they can't be counted out just yet. Roddy White and Julio Jones are one of the best wide receiver tandems in the league. Head coach Mike Smith is 60-36 in his five seasons in Atlanta, but the team's offensive line is still questionable at best.
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