The 2009 NFC South Is The 2008 AFC East

However, in 2008, for the first time, the NFC South reigned supreme as the elite division in the NFL. It was the only division to have all four teams finish at .500 or better. It brought a fairy tale story to Atlanta with the emergence of quarterback Matt Ryan, and even saw a team finish above .500 and fire its coach.

In 2009, the NFC South will be strong again, as it will have three teams with legitimate playoff hopes.

The New Orleans Saints, who finished 2008 8-8, may be the front runner to win this division. The offense that the Saints have is capable of scoring 35 points a game, but once again will have their season outcome determined by defense.

The Atlanta Falcons, coming off one of the most unexpected seasons in franchise history, look to have a team ready to win for the long haul. Matt Ryan showed the NFL in 2008 that he is a rising star, and could become the leagues best quarterback by the time he reaches his full potential. What Atlanta did last season was no fluke, and they could very easily win this division this season.

Next, the Carolina Panthers are the reigning NFC South Champions. They are coming off a 12-4 season, but a very disappointing playoff run. The Panthers were one and done, and were never in their playoff game with Arizona. The biggest question for Carolina will be at the quarterback position. How will Jake Delhomme bounce back from his six interception playoff game? Is Jake capable of leading Carolina to a Super Bowl victory?

Finally, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off one of the biggest disappointments in franchise history. After starting 9-3, and looking like a Super Bowl contender, they faded away in the final four weeks. The organization made a lot of changes, including at the head coach and general manager positions. They lost their starting quarterback, and may be starting a rookie at that same position come week one.

So what will the Buccaneers do in 2009?

Unfortunately for Bucs fans, it looks like this will be a year of struggles. The Bucs appear to be in rebuilding mode. While in years past that might not of hampered them, but the Bucs are looking at a very strong division, and more importantly, a tough schedule.

The top two divisions in the NFL last year are on a collision course this season, as the NFC South plays the AFC East.

Not only does Tampa play the AFC East, but they also will be playing the strong NFC East division as well.

Tampa’s division appears too strong for them to make a run at the playoffs this season.

Instead, the 2009 NFC South looks real familiar to the 2008 AFC East. It contains three teams that could win the division, with the champion not being decided until the final week.

However, the Bucs mirror the 2008 Buffalo Bills, and appear to be the odd team out in this playoff race.