Fansided

2016 NFL predictions: Super Bowl XLXI and more

By Matt Verderame

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Dec 7, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) reacts to a defensive stop against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Panthers defeated the Saints 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) reacts to a defensive stop against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Panthers defeated the Saints 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

JJ: Panthers. No matter what you think of them, the Panthers went 15-1 and that’s pretty damn impressive no matter who you play. Cam Newton is quickly becoming one of the most dangerous threats in the HISTORY of the NFL and this defense might be one of the most overlooked units in the league. There’s no reason to think they’ll drop off significantly in 2016 or that anyone can challenge them seriously.

MV: Panthers. Carolina is the best team in this division right now by a long shot. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be closing the gap if the defense improves and Jameis Winston takes the leap from decent to very good, but the Panthers are the major favorites. Atlanta and New Orleans are no good, mostly because they don’t employ defenses.

MD: Falcons. We’ve seen the Carolina Panthers do well and then fall off the following season, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see that happen in 2016. But the Falcons under Dan Quinn have a lot of promise and another season under their head coach will do them wonders for the following year. Let’s not forget this team has some weapons, and a few key additions could take this team over the top.

JH: Falcons. It’s almost like Atlanta goes through cycles where they look really good and then just burn up. But like the phoenix from the flame, the Falcons are going to rise up. Dan Quinn is putting together a defense that will be hard to deal with and the Falcons already have the offensive tools to compete. Next year is when it all comes together in a big way.

JB: Falcons. Dan Quinn is legit, and the Falcons defense will only get better with him in town. The real question will be if Brendan Shanahan can quit his pissing matches with players and run a functional offense. The team needs more options than Julio Jones, and Matt Ryan is due to finally come through in the clutch (not unlike Joe Flacco a few years back). If Devonta Freeman can stay healthy (the team started sinking when he went down with a concussion this year) then the Birds will take the South.

PA: Panthers. There is really no other choice here. The rest of the division is a mess, Cam Newton is on fire and the Panthers could well be the defending Super Bowl Champions when the NFL kicks off its 2016 regular season. There is little reason to expect that any of the other AFC South teams can overthrow the Panthers.

Next: NFC West

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