2011 NFC South Odds, Predictions and Picks – NFL NFC South Division Preview

2011 NFC South Vegas Odds, Predictions and Free Picks – NFL NFC South Division Preview and Forecast: Vegas oddsmakers have posted the 2011 NFL futures odds to win the 2011 NFC South Division and the odds and lines for the NFC South plus our NFC South predictions, free picks and preview are posted below courtesy of NFL blogger Brian Polking from NSAwins.com. Enjoy…

Although not known as a juggernaut as far as divisions go, the NFC South turned out to be one of the stronger divisions last season. Atlanta, New Orleans and Tampa Bay all won at least 10 games last season. Not to mention the fact that the Saints won the Super Bowl during the 2009-10 season. With one of the best collections of quarterbacks in the league, the NFC South has a chance to be tough for opposing divisions for years to come.

1. New Orleans Saints

The Saints struggled down the stretch last season and were eventually bounced in the first round of the playoffs by a 7-9 Seattle Seahawks team. Chalk the bad season up to a Super Bowl hangover, but Drew Brees and company should be ready to make amends in 2011-12. Rookie Mark Ingram gives the Saints a physical back they have been missing in recent years, and Darren Sproles will replace Reggie Busch better than people think. On defense, New Orleans brought in defensive end Cameron Jordan to bolster the pass rush of an underrated defense. The Saints bend but don’t break, and with Brees and the offense putting up plenty of points, the defense will only have to be average anyway. An NFC South title and a conference crown could both be in the works.

2011 NFL NFC South Divisions Odds, Expert Picks, Predictions and Preview:

2. Atlanta Falcons

After winning the division last season, the Falcons return a bulk of the offense that gave teams fits last year. Quarterback Matt Ryan is on the verge of becoming a star, and Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White are all among the best at their positions. The problem for the Falcons this year could be the same as it was a year ago – defense. Atlanta dealt five draft picks to acquire receiver Julio Jones, and while he adds another weapon to the offense, it didn’t address the team’s biggest need. At the end of the day, the Saints offense is probably better than it was last year, and the Falcons’ defense remains unchanged. Ryan should still lead his team to the playoffs, but it will likely come in the form of a wildcard spot.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

One of the biggest surprises of last season was the rapid progression of this young Buccaneers team that finished the year with 10 wins. Quarterback Josh Freeman put up solid numbers and developed immediate chemistry with receiver Mike Williams. The offensive line was resigned in the offseason, and LeGarrette Blount appears to be a 1,000 yard rusher in the making. The offense is still probably another quality receiver away from being elite, but Tampa Bay isn’t a pushover when it comes to scoring points. The defense is young and talented, but it is also inexperienced. The secondary could be an issue in particular, especially with Drew Brees and Matt Ryan playing in the division. In the end, the Buccaneers are a solid team, but they just aren’t ready to overtake Atlanta or New Orleans.    

4. Carolina Panthers

Carolina was an absolute disaster last season, but having the worst record in the NFL did land the Panthers Heisman-winning quarterback Cam Newton. However, Newton is still a year or two away from being able to run a pro-style offense. In the meantime, the Panthers are essentially the same run-heavy team that couldn’t put up points last season. Steve Smith will once again be wasted, while an above average defense gets worn down from being on the field a majority of the game. If Newton does play, it will likely be ugly. If he doesn’t play, it will still be ugly.

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2011 Vegas Odds to Win the NFC South – 2011 NFL NFC South Division Odds
Atlanta Falcons +125
New Orleans Saints +125
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +405
Carlina Panthers +405