NFC South: The New Orleans Saints' Era of Domination Continues in 2010

When the New Orleans Saints joined the NFL in 1967, they lived on skid row in the league. Other than six seasons of winning record, along with six more at .500, the team had a losing record in each year.

Things got so bad in the decade in the 1970's they were called the "Aints" by many. Several fans would show up to their games wearing paper bags over their head as the franchise struggled mightily.

All of this changed last year, as an explosive and talented squad put it all together and won a franchise best 13 games. They rolled through the postseason and ended up hoisting their first league championship banner ever. Now that they are tasting success from victory, most can expect more of the same from them in the NFC South in 2010.

Although the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers, two teams that have never won it all, made improvements during the offseason, most pundits expect the Saints to run away with the division rather easily. A very young Tampa Bay Buccaneers are considered to be years away from being competitive, as they rebuild through the draft.

Here is how the 2010 season could go in the NFC South:

1. New Orleans Saints

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NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 21: Pierre Thomas #23 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Texans at the Louisiana Superdome on August 21, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Pros : A dynamic offense with multiple weapons. Possibly the best aerial attack in all of football. An opportunistic defense 

Cons : The trenches are inconsistent and can be run over. Repeating as champion is extremely difficult 

Players To Watch : Drew Brees, All of the weapons Brees disperses the ball to, Jonathan Vilma, Defensive secondary 

Key Games : Week 1  Minnesota, Week 8 Pittsburgh,, Week 12  @ Dallas, Week 13 @ Cincinnati, Week 15 @ Baltimore 

Predicted Finish : 13 - 3

2. Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 14: Linebacker Curtis Lofton #50 of the Atlanta Falcons lines up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome on December 14, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Pros : Quarterback Matt Ryan's improvement. Offensive line, Improved defensive secondary. Good running game if Michael Turner stays healthy 

Cons : The defensive line must get better, especially Jamaal Anderson. Linebackers good at run defense, average versus the pass. Another receiver needed to step up and bookend Roddy White 

Players To Watch : Roddy White, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Curtis Lofton, Thomas DeCloud, Tony Gonzales, Dunta Robinson 

Key Games : Week 1 @ Pittsburgh, Week 3 @New Orleans, Week 6 @ Philadelphia, Week 7 Cincinnati, Week 10 Baltimore, Week 12 Green Bay, Week 16 New Orleans 

Predicted Finish : 8 - 8

3. Carolina Panthers

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 27: Steve Smith #89 of the Carolina Panthers against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on December 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Pros : A great rushing attack. Above average linebackers. The dynamic skills of Steve Smith 

Cons : The trenches are iffy, especially on defense. The secondary could have issues. A new QB controversy might soon be brewing. Another receiver is needed to compliment Smith 

Players To Watch : Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams, Johnathan Stewart, Jon Beeson, Richard Marshall, Matt Moore 

Key Games : Week 1 @ New York Giants, Week 3 Cincinnati, Week 6 New Orleans, Week 11 Baltimore, Week 16 @ Pittsburgh 

Predicted Finish : 7 - 9

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 21: Receiver Mike Williams #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs after a reception against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 21, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Pros : Young defensive line with potential. Young receivers with big upsides. Developing quarterbacks, Underrated offensive line 

Cons : Inexperienced almost everywhere,including the coaching staff. Rebuilding seems to be a few seasons away 

Players To Watch : Josh Freeman, Mike Williams, The young defensive tackle trio of Roy Miller, Brian Price, and Gerald McCoy, Kellen Winslow Jr. 

Key Games : Week 3 Pittsburgh, Week 5 @ Cincinnati, Week 6 New Orleans, Week 12 @ Baltimore, Week 17 @ New Orleans 

Predicted Finish : 3 - 13