NFL Preview: NFC South

Next, we shall take a look at one of the NFL's premier divisions: The NFC South. Last year, the NFC South produced three playoff teams, with one coming one play away from the NFC Championship. How do the teams stack up?

• Team(s) to Beat: Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers: Honestly, I wouldn't recognize three teams in a four-team division as being the teams to beat. But there is plenty of talent to go around on all three squads. Atlanta has a solid offense featuring Julio Jones. New Orleans has that Drew Brees guy and an improved defense. Carolina has a solid linebacker corp and a decent defense overall. It'll be a dogfight to see who emerges on top in the NFC South.
  
• Cellar Dweller: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lost in the dogfight are the Tampa Bay Bucs. Jameis Winston's character issues have come into fruition and Dirk Koetter's seat is getting warmer. If Tampa Bay doesn't achieve anything this season, expect some heads to roll.
  
• So... Who Wins the NFC South? I don't trust Carolina making the playoffs again. Their offensive line has not done a good job protecting Cam Newton and has left him vulnerable to hard hits. It's similar to what Andrew Luck has dealt with in Indianapolis. Therefore, it's between two rivals: Atlanta and New Orleans. Atlanta's offense is second to none, but New Orleans looks like an improved team. Still, I like Atlanta to win the NFC South. Don't be surprised if New Orleans makes the playoffs, especially as the winner of the NFC South.