NFL Odds Preview On The Unspectacular NFC South

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 24: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Getty ImagesFor years, now the NFC South has been the weakest division in football. For a division that used to boast the best quarterback lineup in the NFL (Brees, Ryan and Newton), things just aren’t the same. Baker Mayfield is the elder statesman among the starters and fresh off his Netflix debut. Yikes.

>The good news is this division can only get better. How much better remains to be seen.

>There’s reason for optimism across the South. Young quarterbacks, offensive minded coaches and fairly talented rosters abound. Whether or not any of these teams can compete with the behemoths out west is the question.

>Futures odds courtesy of Caesar’s Sportsbook.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 14: Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints throws a pass during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome on December 14, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Getty ImagesNew Orleans Saints+260 to win the NFC South Win total 7.5 (-125) Key additions: Jordan Tyson, Travis Etienne Jr., Kaden Ellis, Noah Fant, Tyree Wilson Key departures: Demario Davis, Alonte Taylor

>The Saints might be the most intriguing team in the division. It’s year two under Kellen Moore. Tyler Shough begins his first full year under center. They added weapons in Jordan Tyson at receiver and Travis Etienne as the every down back. Alvin Kamara returns. Noah Fant was a nice pickup at tight end. The offensive line must level up. Shough has great upside and has playmakers. The defense got younger but lost a great locker room guy in Davis. Kaden Ellis steps into his role. I like Ellis but he has gigantic shoes to fill. The division is wide open and the Saints are in great position to step up and contend.

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 05: Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Getty ImagesTampa Bay Buccaneers+190 to win the division Win total 8.5 (+122) Key additions: Rueben Bains Jr., Kenneth Gainwell, Alex Anzalone Key departures: Lavonte David, Mike Evans

>The early favorites to win the South again., Tampa Bay will have to deal with replacing to huge contributors and locker room leaders. They got the steal of the first round when they drafted Bains. Kenneth Gainwell is a nice pickup at running back. You have to question where the offensive production will come from. Baker Mayfield will have to prove he can carry an offense early until they find an identity. Mayfield regressed as the season went on in 2025. The Bucs can’t afford a slow start or they will be looking up at the Saints and Falcons all year. That would also put Todd Bowles squarely on the hot seat.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 16: Drake London #5 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Getty ImagesAtlanta Falcons+210 to win the division Win total 7.5 (+100) Key additions: Tua Tagovailoa,Brian Robinson Jr., Jahan Dotson, Azeez Ojulari Key departures: Kirk Cousins, Grady Jarrett, Kaden Ellis, Drew Dalman

>The Falcons have a quarterback situation. They brought in a left handed, injury prone playmaker who throws interceptions to compete against another left handed, injury prone playmaker who throws interceptions. Go figure.

>The Falcons franchise is the very definition of a C+ student. The skill positions are loaded. It would be nice if someone competent was getting the ball to them. If Tua or Micheal Penix can stay healthy and just protect the football Atlanta should be in the mix. The defense is a notch below some others in the division. Drake London and Bijan Robinson must have All-Pro years for Atlanta to make the playoffs.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 01: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates a touchdown during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)

Getty ImagesCarolina Panthers+260 to win the division Win total 6.5 (-170) Key additions: Devin Lloyd, Luke Fortner, Jaelan Phillips Key departures: A’Shawn Robinson, Cade Mays

>I want to like this team, I really do. Bryce Young plays with heart. There just isn’t much else to get excited about. Carolina didn’t make a splash in free agency. Their draft was below average. Let’s face it ownership isn’t exactly on the NFL’s marketing poster. But the defense is young and well coached. The running game is above average. The Panthers are just good enough to lose a lot of close games.

>Prediction: the South will have one playoff team. There’s too much talent across the NFC for two teams to come out of this. Like last year, the division will come down to week 17. Flip a coin between the Saints and Buccaneers. I’ll take New Orleans. Bonus prediction: Jordan Tyson and Rueben Bains will be in contention for rookie of the year honors.

>This article was originally published on Forbes.com