NFC South Preview

Talk about a division where every team can make some noise and you have the NFC South. For sure this is a 3-team race for the division between the Saints, Falcons and Panthers.  

The Saints should have been in the Super Bowl the last two years, with that call potentially keeping them out last year in the Rams playoff game. QB Drew Brees is 40 years old and showed some signs of decline last year, but still is a top-quality signal-caller. Can HC Sean Peyton bring them back for another run after the way the last two years ended for them? The Vegas oddsmakers believe in them with a 10 ½-win total on the club and the OVER a +1.36. Because I don't see them doing better than splitting their six games with the other three big teams in this division, my bet would be on the UNDER. My number is 10 wins for this team with nine a clear possibility. 

The Atlanta Falcons have all the talent in the world, but the loss of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan to the 49ers two years ago with a huge blow to the unit. QB Matt Ryan, WR Julio Jones and a backfield full of talent make this team one you don't want to fall asleep on in 2019. HC Dan Quinn must do a better job with all the talent he has been given to work with. This might be a HOT SEAT season for Quinn if he fails to produce for the 2^nd straight season. Vegas has the win total for the Falcons at 9-games and the over a 1.26 favorite. I see them running neck and neck with the Saints all season; therefore, I will not be betting them at this number.  

The Panthers were a bit of mess last season, due mostly to injuries. This should be a big comeback year for this squad. Of course, QB Cam Newton must return to form. Early signs in practice are positive for the quarterback.  HC Ron Rivera, who has a background with the defense, must get that side of the ball to hold up in 2019.  I really feel the Panthers will be a tough out this year.  Vegas is underrating the Panthers with a win total of just 7 ½ games and the over a hefty favorite. This is an over play for me. I can see the Panthers coming in at eight or even a 9-game winning season total.

The Bucs made a big change at head coach by bringing in Bruce Arians. I believe that will show immediate results for this team, though are still a cut below the other three in the division. Can Bruce reign in QB Jameis Winston both on and off the field? Winston has a world of talent but is a bit of a wild card much too often for me to depend on him running this club.  The pieces are there for this team to be both high scoring and a winner, should the defense show improvement and Winston not turn the ball over as has been his history. Vegas posted a 6 ½ win total on the Bucs with the under the slight favorite at -1.15.  I'm betting this total over because of Arians, a top coach who will turn this team around. All he needs to do is get Winston on the same page as the rest of the offense.


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