NFL Preview: Ranking each division by strength

8. NFC South

Divisions facing the NFC South in 2015: NFC East & AFC South

As far as turnover in the division is concerned, not much has changed. The biggest addition to the division is Tampa Bay rookie quarterback Jameis Winston, who will man a rather lethargic Lovie Smith offense in central Florida. The biggest loss was easily Jimmy Graham of the Saints, a move which could neuter the Saints’ ability to score in the red zone.

With the obvious exception of the Carolina Panthers, the NFC South is defined by defensive ineptitude. The Saints couldn’t tackle, the Falcons couldn’t cover a bed with a blanket, and the Buccaneers couldn’t do either. At the very least Drew Brees and the Saints have a framework for a successful offense; the Bucs are starting from square one everywhere but at receiver whereas the Falcons’ offensive line limits Matt Ryan’s ability to make complex reads.

The 2014 divisional champions were, sadly enough, the 7-8-1 Carolina Panthers. The Panthers were able to fall into the playoffs on the strength of their stifling defense, but the offensive line failed to make much running room for anyone while constantly exposing Cam Newton to injury. Though not such a bad team, the Carolina Panthers are an uninspiring divisional leader that could be easily overtaken. No one is having trouble with this division

Next: AFC South