Predicting the NFC South: Who Will Come Out Alive as This Year's Champ?

The predictions for the 2009 NFL season continue today with the NFC South. Thus far, the AFC West, NFC West, and AFC South have been predicted. Want to check them out?? Click on my profile if interested.

The NFC South, football's most unpredictable division, shall hold a surprise once again in the 2009 season. The NFC South experienced the 2008 season as a transitional period from the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons, who have overcome the publicity of Michael Vick, put together a playoff team in 2008, led by rookie quarterback Matt Ryan.

The Carolina Panthers took the division in a close battle with Atlanta, however, faced an early exit from the playoffs. The New Orleans Saints saw quarterback Drew Brees put up an MVP type season, yet came up short because of defensive issues. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who saw the postseason in front of them, collapsed in the final weeks of the season, and came up short of the playoffs.

As the 2009 season approaches, the division looks to be out in the open for the four teams in the division. A tough schedule will be a great factor in this division, as the NFC South takes on the AFC and NFC East. Who shall come out of the division as the champion? What team(s) will represent the NFC South in the playoffs this season?

1. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons should be given the edge as the favorite to win the division in 2009. As the roster from last years playoff team does return injury free, a key addition was made in the offseason: tight end Tony Gonzalez via trade. The acquisition of Gonzalez gives Ryan another target in the passing game.

Having the best tight end in '08 from the stats standpoint, Gonzalez will be effective in the offense this season. Receiver Roddy White has agreed to a new contract extension, so he will not miss any time due to a holdout. The pieces are in place for Atlanta to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, while being a strong competitor in the NFC in 2009.

Prediction: 10-6

2. Carolina Panthers

Heading into the 2009 season, the defending NFC South champions look to defend their crown, and look to bounce back from a disappointing postseason. Just like Atlanta, the key contributors return for Carolina, especially defensive end Julius Peppers, who got placed on the franchise tag for this season.

The doubters do not have much confidence in quarterback Jake Delhomme, who has made a comeback after past surgeries. His brutal game against Arizona in the playoffs last year has put pressure on himself heading into the season.

Running back DeAngelo Williams sprouted onto the scene, rushing for 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns. The rushing attack should be effective this year with Williams and Jonathan Stewart taking some pressure off Delhomme.

Receiver Steve Smith is suspension free in 2009, and needs to play at a higher level then his performance in 2008. Though it is tough for Smith to improve his game, if the rest of the receiving core can't step it up, he will have to find a better way into the end zone, even in double coverage.

The defense should still be solid with Peppers returning on the line. However, Peppers will need to near his performance of 14.5 sacks to ensure Carolina's playoff chances.

Overall, a solid team will be put on the field once again, but with some question marks. Improvement will need to be seen from Jake Delhomme if the Panthers can enter the postseason this year. The lack of a major acquisition like Gonzalez to Atlanta could hurt the team from a playoff birth this season.

Prediction: 10-6

3. New Orleans Saints

Last season the New Orleans Saints faced another season of great offense and shaky defense, resulting in missing the postseason. Drew Brees put on a show in New Orleans, coming up short of Dan Marino's single-season passing record. Injuries on the offense did hurt the Saints, with Reggie Bush and Jeremy Shockey not showing much affect in 2008.

The defense held New Orleans back in '08, finishing 23rd overall in total defense. Heading into the 2009 season, the Saints look to take back the division crown from a few seasons ago. The team recently signed first round pick Malcolm Jenkins, who needs to be effective in the passing game this season.

Reggie Bush has been a disappointment thus far in his Saints career, and needs to make an impact in the back field. Bush has been bothered by a knee in the early goings of training camp, a scare for New Orleans.

The Saints will be competitive within the division no doubt, but is still short of a division crown. A few upgrades were made to the defense in the offseason. Can they bring a below average defense to the middle of the pack core?

Drew Brees is poised to have another Pro Bowl caliber season. Can Reggie Bush step up his game and stay off the injury bug? Also, can Jeremy Shockey be effective at the tight end spot as another target for Brees to throw to?

Though the Saints overall are an above average team, a .500 record seems to make sense for New Orleans this season.

Prediction: 9-7

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The 2008 season came to an unfortunate ending for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who knocked themselves out of the playoffs after a four game losing streak. The franchise experienced a " cleaning house," with head coach Jon Gruden, quarterback Jeff Garcia, and vocal defensive leader Derrick Brooks leaving town.

Raheem Morris, a member of the Bucs coaching staff, took the reigns as a new head coach. The team is going through a new transition, one which soon looks to become a rebuilding plan.

A quarterback controversy is rumbling in Tampa, one where a winner has not been decided. Free agents Byron Leftwich and Josh McCown, along with first round draft pick Josh Freeman shall fight for the job.

Leftwich is the likely candidate to win the job. However, he is too inconsistent to say he will be the starter for all 16 games. The offense will struggle, that is, unless receiver Antonio Bryant can be as effective in '09.

The defense, the strongest point of the team, finished ninth overall in 2008. Yet, the great Tampa D is beginning to age, which includes Ronde Barber and company.

Overall, a questionable offense along with an aging defense won't do Tampa much good in 2009, as they begin to see the downside of the franchise.

Prediction: 5-11

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com. For more updates, you can follow him on twitter @ twitter.com/MattMiselis