2012 NFL Predictions: NFC South Division Vegas Odds, Free Picks and Projections: Four the last four seasons, the NF South has played host to one of the best divisional rivalries in the NFL. New Orleans and Atlanta have battled year after year for the NFC South crown with the Saints winning two of the last three. During the past three seasons, either the Saints or the Falcons have won at least 13 games. Heading into the 2012 NFL season, the obvious question is whether or not Carolina or Tampa Bay can step up and dethrone the two powerhouses. With that in mind, here is a look at how the NFC South stacks up for the upcoming season.
2012 NFL Predictions: NFC South Division Vegas Odds, Picks and Projections
1. New Orleans Saints (Prediction: 11-5)
Amid the bounty scandal that cost New Orleans its coach and possibility linebacker Jonathan Vilma for the season, a high-powered offense remains intact. Drew Brees is coming off a season when he broke the single-season record for passing yards, and with firepower that includes Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston, Darren Sproles and others, there is no reason the Saints shouldn’t be among the highest-scoring teams in the NFL again this season. Being simply unstoppable at home should allow New Orleans to win another NFC South crown, and if a defensive line loaded with high draft picks can realize its potential, the Saints could win more than just their division in 2012.
2. Atlanta Falcons (Prediction: 10-6)
Is this the year that Atlanta’s regular season success translates into postseason success? Quarterback Matt Ryan has been rock solid since entering the league, and with Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez at his disposal, the Falcons’ passing game should be dangerous. The offense should also have a nice counterpunch in the form of Michael Turner, who ranked third in the NFL in rushing last season. While the balanced offense will put points on the board, a suspect defense will likely prevent the Falcons from winning the division. Adding cornerback Asante Samuel will help, but this secondary is still suspect at best.
3. Carolina Panthers (Prediction: 8-8)
In his second year in the NFL, quarterback Cam Newton should continue to push the Panthers back to respectability. With his bulldozing rushing style and surprising passing skills, Newton has already become one of the more dynamic players at his position. Throw in two solid running backs and an offensive line that helped the Panthers average more yards per carry than any team in the NFL last year, and Carolina will be able to wear down opponents with a power running game and burn them with big plays to speedy receivers Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell. The defense, on the other hand, remains a work in progress. Rookie Luke Kuechly will join Jon Beason to form a solid duo at linebacker, but holes on the defensive line and in the secondary will prevent the Panthers from winning a division that features two of the premier offenses in the NFL.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Prediction: 5-11)
You can’t say that Tampa Bay’s front office isn’t trying. The Buccaneers added receiver Vincent Jackson, tight end Dallas Clark and guard Carl Nicks to the offense in free agency and drafted running back Doug Martin. While the changes should definitely help the Buccaneers on both sides of the ball, the up-and-down play of quarterback Josh Freeman will likely continue to hinder the Buccaneers’ ability to put points on the board. On the defensive side of the ball, Tampa Bay spent a top-10 pick on safety Mark Barron, but one player isn’t going to repair a defense that allowed the most points in the NFL last season. More pieces have been added, but Tampa Bay still has a ways to go to be competitive.
2012 NFC South Division Odds
9061 ATL Falcons +125
9062 CAR Panthers +600
9063 NO Saints -140
9064 TB Buccaneers +1600
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