2009-2010 NFC South Preview

It's that time of year again, time to bust out your hibachis, ice chests, and set up the fantasy football teams. With most of the NFL's training camps starting to get underway this is a great time to look at NFC predictions and players to watch this season. Fantasy football is a hot commodity these days and if you're a football fan without it might just be time to jump on the bandwagon. Today I will breakdown the NFC South and let you know which players to watch and what to expect.

1. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons proved that they compete in the division without Michael Vick and went on to a record of 11-5 last season with rookie quarterback Matt Ryan at the helm. The Falcons were extremely impressive last year and the risks they took in starting Matt Ryan paid off big. Ryan threw for 3,440 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, according to statistics. With a quarterback rating well over 80, expect big things from Ryan in his sophomore year especially with the addition of veteran tight-end Tony Gonzalez. I anticipate Ryan and Gonzalez to connect in the end zone quite a few times this season. If you're looking at running-backs the look no further than Michael Turner. Turner is my preseason pick to be the top back in the league this year. I would not underestimate this guy, he ran for almost 1,700 yards and reached the end zone 17 times last year. I would not be surprised to see the Falcons in the NFC Championship games this year and fully anticipate that they will carry the NFC South this season.

2. Carolina Panthers

Last season the Panthers led the division with a record of 12-4 and had an impressive 8-0 record at home. Carolina was able to sign their top draft prospect Everette Brown a DE out of Florida St. but were not able to re-sign their franchise player Julius Peppers. That being said I anticipate that Peppers will anchor their defense but it will be unclear how much his heart will be with the team if he does intend to leave at the end of this season. Jake Delhomme, De Angelo Williams, and Steve Smith will lead the offense again this year, but I anticipate that injuries and speed may become a factor for the Panthers. De Angelo Williams had a great year with 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns but I still rate him underneath Atlanta's Turner. Carolina should be able to easily make the playoffs but the Falcons will be the ones with home-field advantage this year.

3. New Orleans

Looking to bounce back from last year's disappointing 8-8 season the Saints will need big performances out of their offense. Reggie Bush and Jeremy Shockey need to stay healthy all season and have to produce more than last season. I expect another good year from Drew Brees and rank him as the best "fantasy" quarterback in the division but he will not be able to put as many "w"s in the win column as he would like. The Saints have also improved their defense by acquiring Darren Sharper but will need players like LB Jonathan Vilma to step up and lead their squad. Simply put, the Saints are going to need more yards and touchdowns out of their big name players. If Reggie Bush doesn't get into the end zone at least a dozen times this year then it's gonna be another long off season in New Orleans.

4. Tampa Bay Bucs

Firing Jon Gruden is never a good idea and I think that we will see that out of Tampa this season. They managed to drop 4 straight games last year and lose an easy game against the Raiders that could have put them in the playoffs and saved Gruden's job. The struggle in Tampa is going to be learning a new offense and dealing with an inexperienced head coach and trying to solve their QB problem. Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown are currently the two candidates for the job and I think the big question is what can either of them really do? McCown has little experience but a good arm while Leftwich has had some time in the saddle but has never really developed as a top passer in the league. The wide receiver core for the Bucs also has to step up, they have some real talent with Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton but year after year they seem to settle with being mediocre and not performing at the level they are capable of. I anticipate the same out of Derrick Ward as he gives every season but I don't think he will have a big impact on the game unless they can get a game going through the air. Unless this team can develop a consistent air attack and motivate their receivers I don't look for them to finish above .500 this year.

The NFC South has a lot of potential and I believe it holds possibly the best contender for a Super Bowl Championship in the NFC with the Atlanta Falcons. For Fantasy Football junkies I rate your QB options out of the South: 1. Drew Brees 2. Matt Ryan 3. Jake Delhomme. I would stay away from any quarterback out of Tampa this year unless you're in a bind and for RBs I would at Turner or Smith but go elsewhere in the league if neither of those two are available. Reggie Bush may provide some value as a slash option but I would consider last year's numbers. For TE's I would take Gonzalez over Shockey but in the past Shockey has produced decent numbers when healthy. Good luck with the season and enjoy your 2009-2010 football season.

Source: NFL stats