The NFL season is around the corner, and all 32 teams are on equal footing for now. Let’s take a look at the past season for each NFC South team, including predictions for each team heading into the 2024-25 season.
NFC South BetMGM
Best Bets
AP Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jared Verse (+1100)
NFC South – Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+300)
NFC South – Dual Forecast: Falcons/Buccaneers (+115)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Season Recap
This was the Buccaneers’ 48th season in the NFL, tenth with general manager Jason Licht and second under head coach Todd Bowles. The Buccaneers improved on their 8-9 record and finished 9-8 to win their third consecutive NFC South division title. This was their first season since 2019 without Tom Brady where they signed free agent Baker Mayfield. The Buccaneers got off to a 3-1 start then lost their last six of seven games. Despite this, the Buccaneers rebounded winning their five of last six games and won the tie-breaker against the division rival New Orleans Saints to clinch the division.
In the playoffs, the Buccaneers beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round, 32-9. They then lost to the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round, 31-23.
Major Offseason Moves
The Buccaneers lost OLB Shaqil Barrett and RB Patrick Laird. They did pick up CB Tavierre Thomas, WR Cody Thomas and DL Earnest Brown for a quiet offseason. With the 26th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Buccaneers selected Duke center Graham Barton.
Make/Miss Playoffs: Miss
New Orleans Saints
Season Recap
This was the Saints’ 57th season in the NFL and second under head coach Dennis Allen. The team improved on their 7-10 record from the season prior but missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season.
Offseason Moves
The Saints had a very busy offseason. They let go of G Tommy Kraemer who went to the Lions, S Marcus Maye who went to the Dolphins and DB Cameron Dantzler. With the 14th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Saints selected Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga.
Make/Miss Playoffs: Miss
Atlanta Falcons
Season Recap
This was the Falcons’ 58th season in the NFL and third and final under general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith. They attempted to improve on their 7-10 record from the season prior. Despite starting 2-0, having a winning record and having a 6-6 record, the team finished 1-4 in their final games. They were eliminated from playoff contention when the divisional rival Buccaneers won in Week 18.
Offseason Moves
The Falcons let go of OL Justin Shaffer, TE Tucker Fisk and OLB Ade Ojundeji. They did, however, pick up QB Kirk Cousins, DT Brandon Dorus and CB Anthony Johnson. With a top 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Falcons selected Washington QB Michael Penix Jr.
Make/Miss Playoffs: Make
Carolina Panthers
Season Recap
This was the 29th season for the Carolina Panthers, and third and final under general manager Scott Fitterer and only under head coach Frank Reich. Their season started 0-6 for the first time since 1998. They failed to improve their 7-10 record, fired Reich and named Chris Tabor the interim head coach. Following a Week 13 loss to the Buccaneers, the Panthers were eliminated from playoff contention for the sixth consecutive season, finished 2-15 with many problems.
Offseason Moves
The Panthers let go of C Bradley Bozeman, S Vonn Bell and TE Hayden Hurst. They did get OLB Jadeveon Clowney, WR Diontae Johnson and RB Rashaad Penny. With the 32nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Panthers selected South Carolina WR Xavier Legette.
Make/Miss Playoffs: Miss
Division Winner Prediction
I think the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the most secure team in this division. Mostly all of the teams are facing some new head coaches and general managers, but the Buccaneers seem to be the most stable heading into this season.
First & Jenn 
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