Arguably the toughest division in the NFL, the NFC South sent 3 teams to the playoffs last season and has represented the conference in 2 of the past 3 Super Bowls.
There are also the elite quarterbacks in Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, and Cam Newton. Of course I would say that Jameis is on his way to that point, but not there yet.
Being a Bucs fan isn't fun when 6 games are against these teams. 16 years ago, it was the other way around as the Bucs ran the division.
But now, in the present, this division is always switching leaders. The Saints won last year, Falcons in 2016, and the Panthers went 15-1 in 2015. Meanwhile the Bucs struggle.
But the Bucs are in #NewYearNewMe mode and want to win. But so are the other teams.
Let's start with the division winners from last year, New Orleans Saints.
New Orleans Saints
As I stated before, the Saints won the division last season at 11-5. They were led by Drew Brees and a stellar rushing attack from Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. They lost in the NFC Divisional round on the miracle play against the Minnesota Vikings. This year, they didn't do much to greatly improve their team, but there wasn't much to improve.
Key additions- Benjamin Watson, Kurt Coleman, Patrick Robinson, Demario Davis, Tom Savage
Key departures- Kenny Vaccaro, Chase Daniel, Jonathan Freeny
Fantasy Impact Players
Drew Brees
Brees always throws for at least 4,000 yards and usually 30 TDs, though last year he only threw 23. But he is an extremely smart QB and knows the game inside and out. He'll dissect a defense and audible to the best play to beat the coverage. And with a threatening running back, teams will have to put a few more bodies in the box. This opens up more passing opportunities for Brees.
Alvin Kamara
Kamara found his way to the starting lineup last year after being named the 3rd string back. He was given the opportunity and didn't relinquish that starting role. He had over 1,500 total yards and 14 total TDs. He has the backfield to himself essentially for the first 4 games due to Ingram's suspension. Kamara is a great pickup in the first round of your fantasy draft.
Michael Thomas
Thomas is a big receiver with some good speed, a deadly combo. He had 1,200 yards receiving but a measly 5 TDs. Thomas should have a better year TD wise with him as a clear #1 target for Brees.
2018 Record: 10-6
With this tough division, the Vikings, Rams, and Eagles, the Saints are in for a tough ride. They'll split the division, but lose those 3 big games.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers technically tied the Saints last year with an 11-5 record, but lost because of a tiebreaker. So they settled for the first Wild Card spot, then lost to the Saints. Well now the Panthers try to get back to how they were in 2015 and make the Super Bowl. They had a few signings that will help the team, but again, there's not much to improve.
Key additions- Torrey Smith, Dontari Poe, Jarius Wright
Key departures- Ed Dickson, Andrew Norwell, Star Lotulelei, Jonathan Stewart, Charles Johnson, Daryl Worley
Fantasy Impact Players
Cam Newton
Cam is always a threat on the ground and through the air. He had 750 yards rushing and over 3,000 yards passing. But 16 interceptions and 9 fumbles puts him as a risky starter for your fantasy team.
Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey didn't do as hot as many expected, but that's what happens when you share a backfield with 3 other running backs. Now with Stewart gone, McCaffrey should get more opportunities to shine in this high tempo offense. I'd take him in the 2nd or 3rd round of your draft.
Greg Olsen
Olsen is one of the best tight ends in the game. Even towards the end of his career, he still produces when he plays. However, he only played in 7 games last year due to injury. If he is still available in the mid to late rounds, take him as your tight end.
2018 Record: 11-5
The Panthers have the roster to win this division, and they should make the playoffs. Cam needs to control his turnovers. If he does that, this team is better than most teams.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons finished 10-6 last season, beat the Rams in the Wild Card, then lost in the Divisional round to the champion Eagles. This is coming off a year the heartbreakingly lost in the Super Bowl to the Patriots in the first overtime game in Super Bowl history. This season, they hope to return to the playoffs. They didn't do as much as they could in free agency, but once again, not much to improve.
Key additions- Justin Bethel, Brandon Fusco
Key departures- Dontari Poe, Taylor Gabriel
Fantasy Impact Players
Matt Ryan
Ryan finished last year with 4,000 passing yards but only 20 TDs. His production didn't need to be as much when you have Devonta Freeman as your running back. And with Julio Jones getting his money, he should show out for his QB.
Devonta Freeman/Tevin Coleman
Freeman shares a backfield with Coleman, and their reps are about equal. But Freeman has the edge with more of those reps. They are honestly the same players when it comes to fantasy points, so either way you'll have a quality player. It just depends on which game they're utilized more.
Julio Jones
Julio is one of the best wide receivers in the game right now. I'd put him right behind Antonio Brown. He's tall, fast, and catches anything thrown his way. If you have him available when it's your 2nd or 3rd pick, grab him.
2018 Record: 9-7
One team has to do poorly in this division, and I vote the Falcons. They have elite players on offense and their defense flies to the ball. But their schedule will prove to wear them down throughout the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Saving the best team for last. The Bucs may have finished 5-11 last season, but that's last year. Jameis Winston missed 3 games last year because of injury and will miss 3 games this season because of suspension. Ryan Fitzpatrick will fill in for games @Saints, vs Eagles, vs Steelers. Fitz magic wins all 3 on their way to a perfect season.
They added solid players in free agency. They dropped players who weren't that good. Every skill player is a must pickup in fantasy. 16-0 record and they win the Super Bowl.
Article over.
Ugh fine..
Key additions- Ryan Jensen, Beau Allen, Vinny Curry, Jason Pierre-Paul, Mitch Unrein
Key departures- Doug Martin, Robert Ayers Jr., Chris Baker, Clinton McDonald, Kevin Pamphile
Fantasy Impact Players
Mike Evans
Mike Evans has caught for at least 1,000 yards each of the 4 years he's been in the league, even with horrible QBs in his rookie season. With Winston and Desean Jackson now on the same page, the deep threat of Jackson will give Evans some 1 on 1 matchups that he'll win every time.
Peyton Barber
With Doug Martin gone, Barber has shown to be a competent starter at running back. He has quick speed and can power through the line when needed. He also has good hands and can make people miss in the open field.
Ronald Jones Jr.
When I was doing my fantasy drafts, I saw Jones Jr. ahead of Barber in terms of fantasy ratings. From what I've seen during games, Jones Jr. is used as a change of pace back. It's been said in camp that his hands aren't as good as they'd like, but they are improving. Jones Jr. will get plenty of opportunity to showcase his abilities this season, but I wouldn't take him over Barber.
I could explain why each Bucs skill position is worthy of being drafted, but in terms of fantasy ratings, these are the top players.
2018 Record: 16-0
Of course I'm joking with this prediction. Jameis will miss the first 3 games and the defense needs to prove they can stop an offense. They showed brief glimpses during the preseason, especially against @mikey's Lions offense.
But my realistic prediction is 8-8. Unless the defense steps up, they won't win many games. I think they'll have a second half turnaround like they did in 2016, but the other teams in this division are too good to fall behind to.
Overall Division Grade: A-
Like I said, this is the toughest division in the NFL. The Saints, Falcons, and Panthers have shown in the past 3 years that they are elite. Most sports writers see the Bucs as a team to watch for this season. If you made an all-star team with just this division, they could beat the entire AFC all-star team. This division will send 3 teams to the playoffs once again.
Pictures
1- https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-free-agency-rumors-drew-brees-turned-down-another-60m-deal-from-mystery-team/
2- https://www.theshadowleague.com/story/the-panthers-replaced-kelvin-benjamin-with-more-cam-newton
3- http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000931322/article/matt-ryan-falcons-agree-to-fiveyear-150m-contract
4- https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/15/sports/football/jameis-winston-erica-kinsman-lawsuit.html
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