NFC South 2009 Preview and Predictions

Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons were a surprise last year, but they weren’t a fluke. They took care of their business, 7-1 at home, but they struggled to run the ball on the road. The addition of TE Tony Gonzalez will give QB Matt Ryan a very potent weapon and a way to free up the running game, therefore improving the Falcons chances in their road games. The Falcons will have the same record as last year, but against a tougher schedule.
Predicted Finish: 11-5



New Orleans Saints: The Saints are going to score, but will they score when they need to and will they be able to run the football? The Saints blew games in the 4th quarter last year like they were making a movie. In six of their eight losses, the Saints had the lead or were within a score of the lead in the 4th quarter. Also in 6 of 8 losses, the Saints lost by 5 or fewer points. The Saints totaled 2 road wins last year, KC and DET. Non-division road games this year are PHI, BUF, MIA, STL, and WAS. Even should the Saints repeat last year and win only 2 road games out of the division, (STL should be a lock and the other 4 are all winnable), they should get at least one road win in the division (TB), and just one better in the ‘close-game’ category gives them 10 wins.
Predicted Finish: 10-6



Carolina Panthers: Jake Delhomme’s performance worsens every year. Not that he has had really bad years, but each year is never as good as the previous. If that 4-year trend continues Jake well throw more INTs than TDs this year. That is not good for a Panthers team that walks a fine line between good and not good. The Panthers were 8-0 at home last year, a feat that will in all likelihood not be duplicated this year. 3 of their first 4 games are against NFC East teams, and the 4th is the Falcons. The Panthers could be 0-4. Expect at least one home loss, and keep in mind that 5 of the Panthers 8 road games are against NYG, NE, DAL, NYJ, ARI, none of them are gimmies.
Predicted Finish: 10-6



Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Byron Leftwich is the starting QB for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Raheem Morris is the new head coach, they acquired Kellen Winslow in the off-season. All three of those statements make me slightly queasy. The NFC South is a good division and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bucs go 0-6 in the division. Being that the Bucs also play the East divisions of the both the AFC and the NFC, I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Bucs go 0-8 in those games. That leaves two other chances for wins, at SEA and GB at home.
Predicted Finish: 2-14

See The Dean’s AFC West Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC North Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC West Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC South Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC East Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC North Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC East Preview and Predictions.