The NFC East and North have been predicted and now we turn our attention to the NFC South. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been the kings of the NFC South. The Bucs continue to build a team that could compete for a Super Bowl. The Atlanta Falcons have been on the trail of the Bucs for the last couple of seasons. Michael Penix Jr. enter his second season and the first as the starting quarterback. Atlanta continued to retool their team with the hopes of winning the NFC South. New Orleans brought in a new coach in Kellen Moore with the hopes of finding success. Carolina continued to build around Bryce Young to finally gain some traction. Will the Bucs and Falcons continue to duel over the NFC South? Can the Saints and Panthers create some noise? See how the NFC South will play out in 2025.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are my pick to win the NFC South again. Baker Mayfield continues to show he’s an above average quarterback in the league. The Bucs rewarded him with a new contract extension, and he deserves it. They were able to keep Chris Godwin by signing him to an extension also. We thought Mike Evans would test free agency, but he opted to remain with Tampa Bay. The Bucs brought in Sterling Shepard to add another veteran receiver to the team. How will Baker be affected by the loss of Liam Coen? On defense, they signed veteran pass rusher Haason Reddick with the hopes he can recapture his magic of a couple years ago. Tampa added other veterans on defense like defensive lineman Greg Gaines and linebacker Anthony Nelson. I’m picking this Bucs team to win the NFC South again and cause havoc in the playoffs.

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons will finish second in the NFC South in my opinion. The Falcons have plenty of weapons on offense for Michael Penix Jr. Penix Jr. is entering his second season and first full year as the starter. Bijan Robinson is one of the best running backs in the league and Tyler Allgeier form one of the best duos in the league. Atlanta is still hoping that Kyle Pitts is their franchise tight end. Unfortunately, the Falcons lost Kaleb McGary for the season with a leg injury. Atlanta focused on building their defense in the offseason. They drafted edge rushers Jalon Walker from Georgia and James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee. Atlanta also signed veterans Leonard Floyd and Morgan Fox to beef up their defensive line. If Penix Jr. plays like he did in college, this Falcons team could overtake the Bucs in the NFC South.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers is my pick to finish third in the NFC South. The Panthers have been at the bottom of the division for a few years now. It feels like this is the year they’re going to slide up a notch in the NFC South. The Panthers gave fits to teams like the Eagles and Chiefs and Bryce Young looked like the top pick. Carolina used the 8^th overall pick to draft Tetairoa McMillan with the hopes he can be their top receiver. David Moore, Austin Corbett, and Brady Christensen were re-signed to retain key players on the offense. The team brought in defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton and safety Tre’von Moehrig on significant multi-year deals. They also signed LB Christian Rozeboom and RB Rico Dowdle, and re-signed WR Dan Chisena. Carolina should be a team that plays tough against any opponent this season.

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints are projected to finish at the bottom of the NFC South. The Saints had a three man battle for the quarterback position throughout the preseason. Spencer Rattler won the job and was named Week 1 starter. Rattler may prove me wrong, but my gut is telling me that the Saints don’t have legit quarterback. Besides the quarterback position, the Saints have a group of solid players. The Saints brought back Brandin Cooks, and this is his second stint with the team. They added Cam Akers to the backfield. On defense, they replaced the retired Tyrann Mathieu with Justin Reid. Kellen Moore is the new coach after being the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl champion Eagles. The retirement of Derek Carr hurt this franchise, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they were to trade for one during the season.

Trav’s 2025 NFC South Projected Standings

1. 1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2. 2. Atlanta Falcons
3. 3. Carolina Panthers
4. 4. New Orleans Saints

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