Breaking Down the Buffalo Bills 2009 Schedule Part 3: NFC South

(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Also, getting a significant contribution from all the young players on defense would go a long way in attempting to field a competitive team.

Best Case Scenario: 6 to 8 wins, no playoffs

Worst Case Scenario:  2 to 5 wins, no playoffs

What I expect: 4-12, no playoffs

4) New Orleans Saints

2008 Results: 8-8, 4th place NFCS, no playoffs

Key Additions: Malcom Jenkins, Jabari Greer, Dan Morgan, Heath Evans, Paul Spicer, Pierson Prioleau, Anthony Hargrove

Key Losses: David Patten, Deuce McAllistor, Aaron Stecker, Mark Campbell, Martin Grammatica, Josh Bullocks, Hollis Thomas

Have they improved from 2008 to 2009?

Three former Buffalo Bills highlight their off season additions and it’s pretty much playoffs or bust for the Saints in 2009 or a coaching change is likely imminent.

A top five NFL offense returns pretty much intact. If the defense can improve marginally it might be enough for a playoff spot but the question remains if an overhauled unit will improve in 2009.

They play the same beastly that the rest of their division does which includes the AFC and NFC East so a defensive improvement may not necessarily yield the results Payton and his staff are looking for.

Still have questions about: DB, Safety, LB, DE

The key to their season: Defense. Plain and simple.

Last year the offense proved they can score with the best of them, but unfortunately their defense gave up as many points as they scored which resulted in a .500 season.

Another potential roadblock is the pending suspensions of key defensive players, and for a team trying to establish a new defensive identity early on in the season, that could be a major problem.

Best Case Scenario: 9 to 12 wins, NFCS Title/ Wild card, deep playoff run

Worst Case Scenario: 6 to 8 wins, no playoffs

What I expect: 9-7, NFCS champion

As always, feel free to critique, discuss, flame, and offer your own analysis and insight.....

Coming soon, part 4: The Chiefs, Browns and where the Bills fit in to the equation

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