My NFC South Rankings

Here is my view on how the NFC South (Bucs, Falcons, Panthers, and Saints) will turn out.

Tampa Bay Buccaners

I don't care who you are. You can't fire your offensive coordinator less than two weeks before the season starts and expect to have great success. I feel like the Bucs should go back to their old uniforms because it seems like we have rolled back the clock to the bad days. I don't know what is going on with this team and I am not too confident of their prospects in an improved division from last year.

Carolina Panthers

After watching Jake Delhomme's miserable performance in last year's playoff game against the Cardinals, I thought there would have major cleaning of the kitty litter box for the Panthers. Instead it seems they have taken a calm approach while realizing the window of oppurtunity may close this year. The Panthers have always played the Saints tough so while I think the Saints are better on paper, I consider the Panthers to be an early dark horse to go to the NFC Championship Game this year.

Atlanta Falcons

This team was a complete surprise last year. Hats off to Matt Ryan for being a Ist round pick that lived up to the hype and expectations. He handled himself real well and there is no indication right now that he can not do the same this year. Tony Gonzalez will give the Falcons and experienced Tight End who is not expected to carry the whole team. I like how Michael Turner runs the ball. I love it. If they can repeat last year's success then this is a dangerous team.

New Orleans Saints

As a Saints fan I can tell you that I was not happy with the way the season went last year. I felt we were trending toward the Jim Haslett years where we started out good and got consistently worse. All I can say is for the first time in a long time it appeared that the Saints were serious about fixing problems in the off season. Gregg Williams has been allowed to re work the defense and I have to think Saints Fans will see results this year as our defense was painful to watch last year.

We had no major injuries to our starters this year and we have a full receiving corps starting for our opening game at home versus the Lions. If you are a fantasy team owner and have Drew Brees, this is a must start situation.

My expectations are playoff this year for my team. If the Saints do not make the playoffs then I will not be happy. It is not an unrealistic expectation given the talent we have.

Final Rankings: Low to High

4. Tampa Bay

3. Caronlina

2. Falcons

1. Saints