NFL ‘08 Predictions: NFC South

Also see: NFL '08 Predictions: NFC North | NFC West | NFC East

The NFC South in 2007 was a pretty worthless division with one playoff contender (Tampa Bay) and zero playoff wins. In 2006, many people thought New Orleans was the team to beat. Before that, it appeared as though Carolina and Atlanta had something going, then Mike Vick went to jail and Jake Delhomme got hurt and the world was left wondering who could possibly win in this division. Needless to say, the NFC South was the most difficult to predict.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints are probably my most outlandish prediction (well, we'll see). But it would seem somebody has to rise to the top of the division. Drew Brees has been a bit unpredictable at times, but at this point I trust his health to hold up more than Jake Delhomme's. Reggie Bush can come into his own in 2008. He can keep heading down the path of a premier back, possibly flirting with 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving. The question for the Saints is defense, especially their front four. If they can hold the scores down, they can win games. The acquisitions of Jon Vilma and Sedrick Ellis should help.

Prediction: 10-6

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

When this whole Brett Favre debacle was starting, I thought that Tampa Bay would be a very worthwhile place for Favre to head. He has a pre-existing relationship with Jon Gruden, a few people apparently have felt the same way, but the fact remains that Jeff Garcia is not a bad quarterback. Tampa Bay's biggest void is at running back. Earnest Graham was great last season when allowed to play, but he only recorded three 100-yard games. That number needs to be at six or more if Graham is going to be a premier back. All in all, the Bucs just don't seem to be under control as a winning club. And with Garcia getting older, his health is deteriorating. Garcia can't be the long-term answer and the Bucs don't currently have a quarterback who is.

Prediction: 9-7

Carolina Panthers

How glad Steve Smith must be to have Jake Delhomme back. Just a few short seasons ago, Steve Smith was the most feared wide receiver in the game, but coming into 2008, I'm not sure he'd crack the top 20. The Tommy John surgery isn't completely foreign to football, but there are only a handful of guys who've had the surgery, Delhomme being the most famous, so the ability to come back from the surgery seems a bit unpredictable. If baseball is any indicator, it won't be easy, and it will take quite a long time for Delhomme to be back to his old self, probably not in time for the Panthers to be successful in 2008. Sorry, Steve Smith.

Prediction: 7-9

Atlanta Falcons

This team is in a tailspin. I'm not sure they'll recover by the end of the decade from the drama surrounding Michael Vick. Many people are probably putting lots of hope in Matt Ryan, but let's be honest, the guy isn't that good. The crop of quarterbacks in the 2008 draft was the worst it has been in decades. Matt Ryan will struggle, be frustrated, and not develop to his full potential in Atlanta. The Falcons are in for another dismal season.

Prediction: 3-13