NFL Predictions for 2010 Season: NFC South Season Preview

The super bowl champion New Orleans Saints headline the NFC South in a division that also includes the Falcons, Panthers, and Buccaneers.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last season, the Bucs finished 3-13, last in the division, and were one of the worst teams in the NFL.

This past offseason, they did not make a big splash and have question marks at many positions. They started to fill these holes by drafting Gerald McCoy, a defensive tackle from Oklahoma at number three overall.

This team does not have much on offense, and the Bucs are hoping that Josh Freeman can be the savior. He showed some promise last season, but now its time to see if he can be their franchise quarterback.

Prediction: 3-13

3. Carolina Panthers

After a very impressive end to the season in 2009, in which Matt Moore led the Panthers to a 4-1 record in their final five games, the Panthers named him the starter for 2010. It showed they had faith in him, but apparently not too much, as the Panthers surprised teams by taking Jimmy Clausen out of Notre Dame with the 48th overall pick.

Clausen was a smart pick by the Panthers and he gives them a second option if Moore does not pan out.

I expect that sometime into the season, the world will get a glimpse of Jimmy Clausen.

With many weapons on offense, such as the two-headed monster of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, and Steve Smith at wide receiver, the Panthers have good pieces.

Prediction: 9-7

2. Atlanta Falcons

After a surprising 2008 season, a season in which the Falcons were 11-5, before being ousted in the playoffs, they were hit with the injury bug in 2009. Both Matt Ryan and Michael Turner suffered through nagging injuries throughout the season, which subsequently cost the Falcons their playoff hopes.

They were still able to finish 9-7, and by the end of the season, finally looked like the team many expected them to be, still without a playoff berth.

In 2010, with a fresh season, and Turner and Ryan at 100%, the Falcons could make a run at the Saints for the division title.

Prediction: 10-6

1. New Orleans Saints

Can the Saints do it again?

After a dream like season, the Saints come into the 2010 NFL season poised for another super bowl run.

Drew Brees added a super bowl victory to his already impressive resume, and I have a feeling, he may not be done.

Prediction: 13-3