8 Divisions in 8 Days: NFC South

8 Divisions in 8 Days: NFC South

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - They got two solid running backs behind an okay quarterback. Josh Freeman is a playoff quarterback. Just not a Super Bowl quarterback. I do hope he proves me wrong, he's very underated. Vincent Jackson and Dallas Clark are new targets there. On the defensive side, Adrian Clayborn is really going to need to play a big role on the line. He is going into his second year, but, needs to be a reliable big man. Erik Legrand needs to be a leader in the locker room. That's his role. Bucs will go 8-8 with a pretty tough schedule.
Fantasy Favorite(s): QB Josh Freeman would be a great backup or a potential switch-up. Grab two okay QBs and switch between them. Also, WR Vincent Jackson will be Freeman's favorite target.
2. Carolina Panthers - Cam Newton is the running game. DeAngelo Williams is not bad, but, not great. Steve Smith is the recieving game. With the chemistry flowing, the Panthers should have a good defensive game. The defensive game, same story. Beason and Gamble have held it down for years, and now they are getting some help from young guys. Panthers may see a wild card with a 9-7 record.
Fantasy Favorite: Cam Newton will fall into the second round if you are lucky. Snag him if he does.
3. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan has 4 nice targets. Roddy White, Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez, and Michael Turner in the backfield. The offensive line gives Matty Ice some nice time. The defense is very good. Asante Samuel is a new addition to the defense. Veteran LB Lofa Tatupu was signed in March. He may not play much, but that is a nice addition. I think the Falcons might be looking at a playoff birth. 10+ wins in 2012.
Fantasy Favorite: WR Julio Jones is going into his second year, and it will be a big one. Julio is a fifth round pick. He could be a great number two receiver.
4. New Orleans Saint - Sean Payton is suspended for the year. LB and defensive captain Jonathon Vilma is suspended for the year. DE Will Smith is suspended for 8 games. The defensive side of the ball is going to be very dependent on young guys and rookies. The offensive side lost a couple targets, but still has 4 very good running backs. They also have the highest payed player in the NFL at QB, Drew Brees. The Saints will win the division with at least 10 wins. Most likely more.
Fantasy Favorites: QB Drew Brees is gone in the first round. He will have a great year, which means his favorite target TE Jimmy Graham will also have a outstanding year.
Fantasy Flop: All 4 RBs.

Cam Newton (Left) and Drew Brees

By: Alex Strouf