2013 NFL Predictions: NFC South Division Odds and Picks – Falcons the Favorite

2013 NFL Predictions: NFC South Division Odds and Picks – Falcons the Favorite: If recent history is any indication, it is going to take an impressive season to win the NFC South. After all, the eventual division winner has had at least 12 wins in each of the past five seasons, and the last four division winners have all won 13 games. Last year, it was the Atlanta Falcons that posted a 13-3 record, but unlike in past years, they were in the class by themselves as the three other teams all finished with 7-9 records. While finishing six games ahead of everyone else in the division is nice, history says that repeating will be difficult. In fact, since the NFC South debuted in 2002, no team has won back-to-back division titles. With that in mind, here is a closer look at how the division stacks up heading into the 2013 NFL season.

1.      Atlanta Falcons (Prediction: 12-4)

While I already mentioned that no team has been able to repeat as NFC South champs, Atlanta has the firepower to be the first. Quarterback Matt Ryan is ascending toward superstar status, and with Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez at his disposal, he should continue to get better. Adding veteran running back Steven Jackson should also boost an already-stout offense. On the defensive side of the ball, the addition of Osi Umenyiora should boost the pass rush, and a healthy Sean Weatherspoon should solidify the linebacking corps. The secondary does lose a pair of quality corners, but if first-round pick Desmond Trufant can provide adequate play, the defense as a whole should remain respectable. In the end, Atlanta’s balance on both sides of the ball should result in another division title.

2.      New Orleans Saints (Prediction: 10-6)

The suspensions in the wake of the bounty scandal took their toll, dropping the Saints from 13-3 in 2011 to 7-9 last year. However, the return of head coach Sean Payton should go a long way to helping New Orleans rebound. Mainly, Payton’s return will allow quarterback Drew Brees to simply play his position rather than have to try to run the offense by himself, and with Marques Colston, Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles among the weapons at his disposal, the offense should pile up plenty of points. The defensive side of the ball will be another story. Outside of linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive end Cameron Jordan, the unit just doesn’t have a lot of stars. Unless safety Kenny Vaccaro and nose tackle John Jenkins have huge impacts as rookies, the defense is likely to be a weak link again 2013. That being said, a rejuvenated offense should allow the Saints to win enough games to get back into playoff contention in 2013.

3.      Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Prediction: 9-7)

Although the Buccaneers missed out on the playoffs last year, things are looking up in Tampa Bay. Running back Doug Martin is coming off a strong rookie year and looks like a star in the making, while free agent addition Vincent Jackson became the No. 1 receiver the team was hoping for. The Buccaneers continued the rebuilding project in the offseason, adding star corner Darrelle Revis and safety Dashon Goldson in free agency. Throw in the NFL’s best guard tandem along the offensive line, and a defense filled with young talent that should only get better, and the pieces are in place. Quarterback Josh Freeman will ultimately determine how special the 2013 season is, but Tampa Bay should climb over the .500 mark.

4.      Carolina Panthers (Prediction: 7-9)

While the Panthers had a disappointing 2012 season, they did seem to find their stride at the end of the year, winning four straight. However, there is no guarantee that Carolina will be able to sustain the momentum. While the ground game is the team’s bread and butter, consistent play from quarterback Cam Newton will go a long way to helping the cause. In his defense, he doesn’t have a lot of weapons to throw to. Of course, the biggest issue for the Panthers the past couple of years has been the defense, and an unimpressive secondary still remains. On the flip side, linebacker Luke Kuechly became a star as a rookie last year, and Carolina spent its first two picks on defensive tackles Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short. Even with the play-making ability of Newton and an improving front seven, an overall lack of offensive weapons and porous secondary is going to make it hard for Carolina to compete in a division that features quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Drew Brees.

Odds to win the NFC South
Atlanta Falcons win NFC South +150
New Orleans Saints win NFC South +175
Tampa Bay Buccaneers win NFC South +545
Carolina Panthers win NFC South +500

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