The NFC South in 2024 seems to look a little different than last year as far as standings are concerned. The Atlanta Falcons are the current betting favorites to win the division this year at +100 according to Vegas Insider. This is an early look at the NFC South’s power rankings for 2024.
NFC South 2024 Early Power Rankings
1.) Atlanta Falcons
As said above, the Atlanta Falcons are the current betting odds favorite to win their division, and naturally, they are ranked at number one for the NFC South. Atlanta coming off a sub .500 season in 2023 made a lot of changes from last year. Former Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris was hired to be the Falcons’ new head coach this year.
With poor quarterback play as a main attribute to a poor season last year, they made a huge swing and signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract. Not only are they looking to improve their offense led by Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, but adding a veteran quarterback in Cousins, who led the league in passing touchdowns up until his season-ending injury, could bring them to being one of the more exciting offenses in 2024 and bring the most out of the young playmakers.
2.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a playoff spot and a division title in 2023. Tampa exceeded expectations as their win total odds were set at 6.5 wins. in 2024 they look to hit that over again as their win total line is set at 7.5 total wins.
Another top NFL win total selection has arrived. You should be able to get around or slightly better a price depending on your book.
• Buccaneers U7.5 Wins (+115); 1u
This is my favorite win total of the bunch. Let me start by sounding a little harsh about last year. The Bucs… pic.twitter.com/W3WJ5v4tVw
— Smoky Bets (@SmokySteamBets) May 21, 2024
Tampa Bay will be led again by head coach Todd Bowles and quarterback Baker Mayfield who signed a 100-million-dollar team extension this offseason. With Atlanta coming on now as the favorite for the NFC South, Tampa knew they had to re-sign Baker Mayfield and star wide receiver Mike Evans.
As well, they wasted no time making top safety Antonie Winfield the highest paid safety in the league. In addition to their key re-signings, they drafted offensive lineman Graham Barton in the first round of the NFL draft. It wasn’t a heavy offseason of additions for Tampa Bay, but some key decisions were made for their success and future. Tampa will have a similar look as they did last season, but will it be enough to outlast Atlanta?
3.) New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr is looking to bounce back this year from an injury-riddled and poor 2023 campaign. The question looms, does New Orleans have enough to compete with the two teams ahead of them in their division? This offseason New Orleans retained head coach Dennis Allen and decided to take a reserve approach to free agency. Chase Young, defensive end, signed a one-year contract as the Saints hope to unlock any untapped potential that might be left for the former second-overall pick. The rest of their free agency period was set to fill out the rest of their roster.
In the 2024 NFL draft, the Saints looked to retool their team then. Selecting offensive tackle, Taliese Fuaga in the first round and selecting cornerback Kool-Aid Mckinstry in round two. The Saints needed to have a home run with their first two picks, not having a draft pick until the fifth round. A minimal offseason approach isn’t always a bad thing, but in a division that got better, it’s hard to see the Saints keep up with Tampa Bay and Atlanta.
4.) Carolina Panthers
In 2023, the Carolina Panthers selected quarterback Bryce Young with the first overall pick. Adding a seasoned head coach in Frank Reich, Carolina hoped to see glimpses of a bright future last year. Unfortunately, the Panthers’ vision did not come to fruition with the firing of Frank Reich past the midway point of the season last year. Carolina knew they were still a ways away from where they wanted to be.
Desiring to kick start a new approach, the Panthers hired Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator, David Canales. The hope is for Canales to work with quarterback Bryce Young the same way he did with Baker Mayfield, a quarterback in need of new life, who brought Tampa Bay to a division title.
Dave Canales: Bryce Young has been "fantastic" learning the Panthers' new offense. https://t.co/QbczhrIhtI
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 21, 2024
The Panthers found a new head coach and found themselves busy this offseason adding a new face on their offensive line, Robert Hunt from the Miami Dolphins, giving Hunt a five-year, $100 million deal. In addition, they traded for Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson, hoping to give Bryce Young another weapon. On the defensive side, Jadaveon Clowney reached an agreement. Clowney, who put up 10 sacks for the Baltimore Ravens is hoping for the same production, especially after the trade of edge, Brian Burns.
Carolina found themselves an improved unit heading into 2024. The questions loom by how much? There’s a lot left to be desired from the young club, but if their future can unfold this season, it will be very much a success.
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