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NFL: Predicting the NFC’s division winners

By Michael Burke

Aug 28, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

NFC South:

1. New Orleans Saints: 11-5

Frankly, there’s not a whole lot to say about the Saints, one of the NFL’s true models of consistency. The Saints have won at least 11 games in four of the past five seasons, with the only exception coming in 2012, when Sean Payton was suspended for the year.

The Saints will again make up for their road struggles by dominating at home, and should be one of the NFC’s three or four legitimate contenders.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 9-7

The Bucs struggled last season, when they lost their first eight games and finished 4-12, but I loved what they did this offseason.

Tampa Bay hired Lovie Smith, signed quarterback Josh McCown, drafted wide receiver Mike Evans (Johnny Manziel’s favorite target at Texas A&M), and traded for All-Pro guard Logan Mankins — moves that will each heavily contribute to the Bucs’ first winning season since 2007.

3. Atlanta Falcons: 8-8

I still can’t figure out what happened to the Falcons in 2013. Somehow, they went 4-12, losing nine more games than they did in 2012. Sure, they lost Julio Jones early, but, at least in my book, that’s not an excuse for a Matt Ryan-led team to win only four games.

I expect Atlanta to be much better than last season, but a brutal schedule to end the season (vs. Arizona, at Green Bay, vs. Pittsburgh, at New Orleans, vs. Carolina) will make it tough to reach the playoffs.

4. Carolina Panthers: 7-9

Sorry, I’m just not seeing it for the Panthers in 2014. The absurd number of hits that Cam Newton has taken in three seasons is finally catching up to him; he spent the offseason recovering from ankle surgery and now has a fractured rib.

Also: don’t underestimate what Steve Smith meant to this team. The Panthers will miss him.

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