NFL Predictions: The Atlanta Falcons Will Win the NFC South

Obviously it would have been impossible to predict the division winners before the lockout ended. There were too many big-name free agents out there that were set to change the look and feel of the 2011 season. With nearly all of the high profile players set with their new/old teams, the landscape of the NFL has changed, and we can begin to see these teams take shape.

There were many teams that appeared to greatly improve their team on paper, while others appear as though they might be taking a step back. The free agent frenzy put a giant target on the Eagles back, and really hurt teams like the Bengals and the Raiders. Some teams like the Cardinals, Seahawks and Vikings made some great deals and could possibly be contenders next year.

It would be ridiculous to predict the number of wins for each team this year, due to the make up of the teams, injuries and the fact that football activities have just now started. There are some predictions that I feel aren't that much of a stretch, like the Atlanta Falcons winning the NFC South this year.

Everywhere you look, there is a playmaker on this offense. From Michael Turner in the backfield, to one of the best young quarterbacks in the game in Matt Ryan. He has two outstanding, talented receivers to throw the ball to in Roddy White and highly touted rookie Julio Jones. They still have Hall-of-Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez out there to give the defense problems as well.

This defense has improved quite a bit over the last couple of years. While they might lack a super star like Patrick Willis or Nnamdi Asomugha, they did reel in defensive end Ray Edwards from the Vikings. Many people think his success was just due in large part to the Williams duo and Jared Allen, but I think he has the skills that will make him a star in Atlanta.

Just as it is every year, the NFC South is going to be an extremely tough division, probably the best division in football. The Saints are still one of the best teams in the league, and the Buccaneers won ten games last year with one of the youngest teams out there. The Panthers have made some significant upgrades to their roster, in addition to keeping their best players, Jon Beason, Steve Smith, and DeAngelo Williams.

The Falcons have a very good home field advantage, and their schedule outside of the division really isn't that tough. They should be flying high this year, on their way to winning the NFC South.