Tucker’s NFC South Projections
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By Tucker Harlin
The NFC South has a reputation as one of the weaker divisions in the NFL, and 2023 was a strong representation of that reality.
Tom Brady departed from an already weak Tampa Bay team following the 2022 season, so the most proven quarterback in the division was Derek Carr.
While it appeared to be the Saints’ division, the Buccaneers took the South crown again as Baker Mayfield had a revival of a season.
The NFC South should be stronger in 2024, although I don’t anticipate a big shake up in the standings.
1. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Another division title should be in the works in Tampa Bay in 2024.
A lot of this will depend on if the Baker Mayfield renaissance carries over into this season, but the defense and skill players around make it hard to pick against the Bucs.
Todd Bowles has quietly managed to turn the Bucs into an annual playoff franchise.
2. ATLANTA FALCONS
Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons were a match made in heaven: a quarterback and franchise that just can’t handle big moments.
The roster has been terrific for a couple of seasons now, and the offensive skill players just needed a quarterback to take them from in the hunt to playoff contention.
But, for some peculiar reason, the Falcons decided to bring in Cousins and draft Michael Penix in the first round.
Regardless of who’s taking the snaps in 2024, it should boost the production light years ahead of what it’s been since Matt Ryan’s departure.
I wouldn’t rule out a playoff appearance, but probably nothing more than that.
3. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The roster in New Orleans is one that’s capable of making the playoffs.
So what’s holding the Saints back?
The answer is Derek Carr and Dennis Allen.
Carr has been the definition of “serviceable” throughout his NFL career. He took the Raiders to two wild card appearances in his time with the organization, but that was the best it got under Carr.
Dennis Allen was the one that gave Carr his job in Oakland. Allen didn’t last much longer with the Raiders, and now the Saints have used the retread method with Allen to replace Sean Payton.
Allen might have some of the worst job security in the entire league.
If I had to throw out a number, the Saints are winning somewhere between six and eight games in 2024.
4. CAROLINA PANTHERS
The Panthers were the worst team in the NFL in 2023.
Coach Frank Reich lasted 11 games before the organization decided it was time to take a different direction.
Bryce Young didn’t have any strong skill players to work with when he came into the league, and there will only be marginally better options in 2024.
However, it should be noted that Young was able to do a lot with one of the worst Alabama receiving cores that Nick Saban coached in Tuscaloosa. So you would think he could at least work with one of the NFL’s worst.
The Panthers should improve in 2024, but this is still a bottom two or three roster in the league.
