Who is the Favorite to Win the NFC South in 2026?

ehinote · 2026-06-01T20:56:45Z

With most personnel moves finalized and OTAs underway, which NFC South team has made the most significant leap this offseason? Considering last year’s standings, coaching and front office changes, and new player acquisitions through free agency and the draft, which team appears poised for improvement as we head into the new season? Let’s start from the bottom: #4 – New Orleans Saints This ranking may surprise some, but it makes sense to me. While the Saints ended last year positively, leading many fans and some media to herald Tyler Shough as their franchise quarterback, the worst outcome for a young team is to overhype a player based on limited potential. Shough performed adequately as a rookie, but that doesn’t raise his ceiling in my view. He came in with low expectations and met them, reminiscent of Chris Simms in 2005, when we anointed him as the starting quarterback the following year despite a lackluster performance. Saints’ Head Coach Kellen Moore Kellen Moore is a promising young coach, but I question his leadership. The Saints did add players like Travis Etienne Jr., Noah Fant, and Tyree Wilson in free agency, but none are superstars. I expect this team to fall short of expectations, proving they merely outperformed low expectations last season. Record: 6-11 #3 – Carolina Panthers The Panthers boast young stars like Jaycee Horn, Derrick Brown, and Princely Amanmielen on defense, but I don’t believe their offense has the firepower to match. Tetairoa McMillan is on track to become a top-five receiver, which is concerning for Bucs fans who will see him twice a season for the next decade. However, I’m not high on Bryce Young as the quarterback who can elevate the team. This team was a 2025 division champion largely because they played in the worst division in the NFL, marking the second time in four years that a team with a losing record won the NFC South. As a result, they’ll face a first-place schedule in 2026, which will significantly impact their path compared to their division rivals. I expect the Panthers to fall behind both the Bucs and Falcons. Record: 7-10 #2 – Atlanta Falcons The Falcons slide into second place by default. The Saints are too young in key positions, and the Panthers will struggle with a first-place schedule. I don’t see much momentum for the Falcons heading into 2026. Kevin Stefanski, the new head coach, brings good football IQ, but I question his leadership. Who will be the quarterback? Michael Penix Jr. has yet to prove himself as a reliable NFL starter, and Tua Tagovailoa raises concerns due to his history of head injuries. The most critical position in football needs clarity to ensure a successful season. Falcons’ Head Coach Kevin Stefanski Bijan Robinson is an elite running back, and Drake London is a top-10 receiver. The team also has promising young pass rushers. While I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Falcons pull off a few unexpected wins, I lack confidence in their ability to maintain consistent performance throughout the season. Record: 8-9 #1 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers I know it’s a boring answer but blame it on the division… it’s pretty boring. Given the current landscape of the division, Todd Bowles has no excuse not to win the NFC South. It’s shaping up to be another down year for the division. The Bucs will have the best quarterback in Baker Mayfield (assuming he can shake off the struggles of his last nine games in 2025). They may also possess the strongest offensive line, receiver corps, and defensive front, bolstered by the additions of Rueben Bain Jr., A’Shawn Robinson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and the return of Calijah Kancey from injury. Bowles must avoid being overly aggressive with blitzing and refrain from meddling in offensive meetings. If he can do that, he may lead his team to another division title. His biggest challenge may be himself. Record: 9-8

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theknees

(@theknees)

Posts: 966

First Mate

How does anyone contain a Dline that has Vea, YaYa, Elijah, Kancey, Robinson,Bain, Walker, Muhammad, Nunez-Roches

Look at these names annd really think about each player and what they bring, and tell me the Bucs have been complacent in the off-season.

We went and hired the best special teams coach, brought in Killabrew.

We brought in the best OC available for Baker. We brought in the best RB available given the loss of White in Gainwell.

This is the part that makes me wonder what the talking heads are looking at.

It’s a lot of new parts, to be clear but, Tampa has done anything but stand pat.

Lazy national reporting will look elsewhere for South supremacy. It’s Tampa’s to lose.

Posted : Jun. 10, 2026 9:25 am

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Who is the Favorite to Win the NFC South in 2026?

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