2010-2011 NFL Predictions: Macho Rhino's NFC South Preview

This division is a mixed bag. It has two very good teams and two not so good teams.

It should see the two good teams make the playoffs and possibly go deep in the postseason, with the Saints serious contenders to defend their title.

1. Atlanta Falcons (14-2)

Michael Turner is back healthy, and the offensive line has looked good. This team should be run-first and hope to set up play action to get Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White the ball downfield from Matt Ryan. The question is the defense. Can it be effective on third down and get teams off the field?

I think Atlanta is ready to have a good season. If they stay healthy, they’ll be in the playoffs and might win a game there too.

2. New Orleans Saints (11-5)

The defending champs open the season with the target on their back. They have to take each team’s best shot every week. Darren Sharper is injured, and he’s not going to be easy to replace. He was such a big time playmaker and leader on that defense last year. If he can get healthy, you could see them make a return Super Bowl trip.

The offense should be spectacular again. They return all the key pieces and should be high-scoring once again.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)

Just a team that needs more talent. They need consistent playmakers on offense. Rookie Gerald McCoy could flourish on the defense. QB Josh Freeman showed some promise as a rookie, and they’ve got to hope he progresses this year. It looks to be another long season in Tampa Bay, and you’ve got to wonder if they regret firing Jon Gruden a couple years ago.

4. Carolina Panthers (3-13)

Carolina has some rookies that looked good in the preseason. I think Jimmy Clausen should see the field in relief of Matt Moore at some point this season. The rookie out of Notre Dame is NFL-ready and should get a shot when Carolina is out of playoff contention.

They lost Julius Peppers in the offseason to free agency, but another rookie, Greg Hardy, could step up and fill the void. He’s shown flashes in the preseason of being a guy who can get in the backfield and make plays.

Moore played well most of last year after taking over for Jake Delhomme. If he can keep it going, the Panthers could get to six or seven wins, but I doubt it.

BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Drew Brees (QB, Saints)

BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: John Abraham (DE, Falcons)

BEST HEAD COACH: Sean Payton (Saints)

BEST OFFENSIVE ROOKIE: Brandon LaFell (WR, Panthers)

BEST DEFENSIVE ROOKIE: Gerald McCoy (DT, Buccaneers)

See more in our 2010 NFL Preview here.