2010 NFC South Division Predictions; NFL Picks

The NFC South is another division where I do not see the standings changing from last year, but the win/loss records will shift slightly. The Falcons and Panthers are a couple of moves away from a playoff berth, but until some major moves are made, no one in the division has a shot at the Saints.

New Orleans Saints 12-4
The Saints were able to retain the majority of their Championship team and are primed for another deep playoff run. The NFC South is getting better, but no match for the Saints in 2010. Getting Sharper back at corner was as big of a move as drafting CB Patrick Robinson out of Florida State who could start immediately. The offense is almost all back and ready to put up similar numbers, if not better with Brees only getting better. Their record could be better than 12-4, but with the division getting stronger I am counting on a loss to Carolina and Atlanta on the road along with a couple of games outside of the division.

Atlanta Falcons 9-7
I see the Falcons as a very similar team to the 2009 version with a couple of moves on defense. Although the defense is improved with Dunta Robinson in the secondary and rookie Sean Witherspoon at linebacker, Michael Jenkins has not broken out as a go to receiver and defenses are able to focus on Roddy White making life difficult on Matt Ryan. With Turner not able to catch passes out of the backfield, the Falcons are limited without a second go-to receiver. I like the Falcons to repeat their 9-7 record from 2009.

Carolina Panthers 7-9
With Moore or Clausen at quarterback the Panthers are an improved team. Already with the best running back tandem in football, the Panthers now have several solid options are wide receiver instead of only Steve Smith. I expect Jarrett to have a breakout year and rookie Brandon LaFell should see some early playing time. The loss of Peppers will hurt the Panthers, but their defense remains capable of keeping them in games. The Panthers are a consistent quarterback away from the playoffs, lets see if one of these young guns can lead them there. Moore is the starter unless he struggles over the first few weeks, then let Clausen go to work.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-13
A decent offseason for the Bucs, but not nearly enough to get them out of the whole they are in. The Buccaneers will have another awful season with unproven talent at almost every position. Gerald McCoy will play a big part in turning around the defense, but not many other bright spots exist.

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