Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) warms up on the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports NFC South division preview
2024 prediction sequence complete, record
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
Baker Mayfield’s continued resurgence at quarterback and a stable defense will lead to a fourth straight division title.
Atlanta Falcons (9-8)
Kirk Cousins is an upgrade at quarterback and the addition of edge rusher Matthew Judon and safety Justin Simmons make a return to the playoffs after a six-year absence.
New Orleans Saints (7-10)
They can be better than this, but only if the offensive line features three unproven starting jells quickly.
Carolina Panthers (5-12)
New coach Dave Canales will benefit from Bryce Young, as will Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield, but the team’s ceiling remains low.
–The top MVP candidate in the NFC South
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield
Mayfield had his most productive season in 2023 and earned a huge contract. Leadership and increased comfort level in the second season with wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and tight end Cade Otten should mean an outstanding offensive season.
Saints QB Derek Carr
If the offensive line is OK, Carr should thrive under first-year coordinator Klint Kubiak. The versatility of Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill and the play-action game that takes advantage of young receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed should keep in mind the 49ers’ system that Kubiak brought in.
Falcons RB Bijan Robinson
New coordinator Zac Robinson’s system, which he implemented with the Rams, should enable Robinson, who had more than 1,000 yards of total offense as a rookie last season, to excel.
–NFC South breakout player
Bucs RB Rachaad Putih
The arrival of one-time Rams coordinator Liam Coen from Kentucky should fit perfectly with White’s combination of size and athleticism, both as a runner and in the screen game.
Bucs LB Yaya Diaby
Diaby had an impact as a freshman last season, notching 7.5 sacks, and his continued maturation will allow him to be even more productive as a sophomore.
Falcons WR Drake London
The erratic quarterback game held the team back last season, but the consistency of Cousins and Bijan Robinson will create opportunities that London will capitalize on.
Falcons CB AJ Terrell
Terrell is a defensive star on the rise and after getting a massive rookie contract, he can focus on being an elite playmaker.
Panthers QB Bryce Young
Young never had a chance as a rookie behind a poor offensive line. The Panthers are upgrading their line and Canales will shepherd them through an even better season.
Panthers CB Jaycee Horn
Horn has been limited by injuries in his first three seasons, but he played in 13 games last season and his continued health will be key for him to be a leader on a defense that needs leadership.
Holy WR/RS Rashid Shaheed
Shaheed’s explosiveness makes him dangerous as both a big-play receiver and return specialist. They will benefit from Kubiak’s scheme and the new kickoff rule that will give them more opportunities.
Saints DT Bryan Bresee
The former Clemson star had a solid rookie season in 2023 and has moved into the starting lineup. The presence of Cam Jordan and the arrival of Chase Young on the outside will allow Bresee to be a consistent playmaker inside.
Insights week 1
Panthers vs. Saints, 1 pm ET
The Panthers and No. They will have a stiff challenge against what should be an excellent defense for the Saints, who should start with wins as games against the Cowboys, Eagles, Falcons, Chiefs and Buccaneers follow.
Steelers vs. Falcons, 1 p.m. ET
Visit Pittsburgh welcomes a new veteran quarterback in Russell Wilson as Cousins makes his Falcons debut. Atlanta’s defense will have to show it can handle Wilson and 1,000-yard rusher Najee Harris, who should excel in an offense coordinated by former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith.
Buccaneers vs. Commander, 4:25 PM ET
Washington started again with former Falcons coach Dan Quinn and No. 2 overall draft pick Jayden Daniels, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from LSU, running an offense coordinated by former Cardinals head coach Kilff Kingsbury. But the Tampa host will have more of an if-it-ain’t-break-don’t-fix-it approach.
–Field Level Media
