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Fantasy Football: Impact of NFC South “Super Team”

By Robert Townsend

Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team Carter quarterback Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints (9) before the 2015 Pro Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team Carter quarterback Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints (9) before the 2015 Pro Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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It was no surprise that the NFC South teams, after going a collective 22-41-1, had to make some drastic decisions this offseason. Yet no one could have predicted that the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers would combine forces.

In pursuit of the elusive winning season, the four teams will become one, taking the best from all four and cramming them into a 206-man roster (in hopes of giving them more competitive balance) with the new name South Sand Devils.

While this could backfire, considering a full 50% of the division’s wins last year was against themselves, there should be enough talent to reach 9-7 or 10-6, or so they hope. Below is a position-by-position guide to which players from the South Sand Devils you should draft, and where holes may still exist.

Quarterback Competition

The quarterback competition is expected to be extremely contentious during training camp. Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, and Cam Newton all have unique skill sets. And with their passing options, any of them could flourish. The choice may come down to who becomes the Head Coach. Rumors of a quarterback-by-committee have also been spread since the teams combined. 

Historically Great Wide Receiver Production

Dec 14, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) catches a touchdown as Carolina Panthers free safety Tre Boston (33) and cornerback Josh Norman (24) defend in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) catches a touchdown as Carolina Panthers free safety Tre Boston (33) and cornerback Josh Norman (24) defend in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The NFC South Sand Devils certainly won’t have any problems getting the ball into a good receiver’s hands. Mike Evans and Kelvin Benjamin headline a group of great up-and-comers, while veterans Julio Jones, Vincent Jackson and Roddy White should also get in the mix if they can stay healthy. Look to see the chemistry between the new quarterback-receiver combinations.

Running Back Struggles may continue

While most positions greatly improved with the merger, questions are still abound at running back. Mark Ingram handled a full workload well for part of the season last year, but prior to that he never appeared to be a workhorse. Outside of Ingram, there’s a bunch of change-of-pace backs who will be fighting for playing time, and some might not even make the team. I would avoid these guys on draft day.

Can this System Support Multiple Tight Ends?

This team merger could possibly explain why the Saints were stupid enough to give away Jimmy Graham, arguably the best player on their roster. He won’t be easily replaced, but Greg Olsen had a strong 2014 campaign and will probably be able to reach top-5 tight end production again. The Saints coaches were also high on Josh Hill, so tight end streamers may want to eye him in the later rounds if he’s available off waivers.

Where to Draft the Defense

Although the defenses may be combining, it still isn’t star-studded or all that great. No team from the NFC South finished higher than 20th in point differential last season. It should be expected that they improve, but not to a level that makes them worth taking earlier than defenses should normally be taken in drafts: the last couple rounds.

Can This Team Compete?

Yes. Will they beat the Seahawks or Patriots? Probably not, but at least it should give fans of NFC South teams enough to cheer about in the 2015 season!

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