2010 NFL Predictions – NFC South: Since 2004 every team in the NFC South has won a division title with the Buccaneers and Saints taking two apiece. This season it looks like New Orleans has a great chance to capture its third division championship in the last five years with the only likely challenger being Atlanta. 2010 NFL Predictions at Sportsbook.com have the defending Super Bowl champs listed at -160 moneyline odds to finish first in the NFC South standings.
New Orleans Saints (-160): The Saints return all 11 starters from last season's number one offense, which means they will 
have every opportunity to repeat as division champion. Drew Brees is the key as he looks to duplicate last year's 109.6 passer rating and bring the city of New Orleans another Lombardi Trophy. The defense, which ranked 25th in yards and 20th in points per game allowed in 2009, should be as good or better after working under defensive coordinator Gregg Williams for a second season. The Saints might not equal 13 wins again, though, as their non-conference schedule includes San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Cincinnati, and Baltimore.
Atlanta Falcons (+175): Atlanta took a step back last season, winning two fewer games than it did in 2008 after closing out at 9-7. The team looks poised to rebound with almost every starter returning on both offense and defense, including quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan, who is heading into his third season, has the potential to become an elite passer and the front office has provided him a number of weapons in Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, Michael Turner, and Michael Jenkins. If Ryan can step up and the defense improves, the Falcons could sneak up on the Saints.
Carolina Panthers (+800): The Panthers have not won fewer than seven games during John Fox's tenure, but the team has won more than eight just one time in the last four seasons. Many are predicting another pedestrian finish this year, which may lead to a change of scenery for the veteran coach. The Panthers could surprise, though, if the defense can survive the departure of Julius Peppers and the offense can improve upon last season's poor numbers. Yeah, those two things seem like relative long shots, but who thought Carolina would take home the division title with a 12-4 record in 2008 after finishing 7-9 the year before?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+1500): The Bucs are no where near competing for the NFC South title, but Tampa Bay fans can at least feel optimistic about the direction of the team as the roster appears to be loaded with young talent. Second year quarterback Josh Freeman exhibited some true leadership qualities as a rookie too, enduring a barrage of opposing defenders down in and down out. The defense, with the additions of tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price, could help the team top last year's three wins, especially with Cleveland, St. Louis, Detroit, Seattle and two meetings with Carolina on the schedule.
Sportsbook.com 2010 NFL Predictions – NFC South:
New Orleans Saints -160
Atlanta Falcons +175
Carolina Panthers +800
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +1500
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