Carolina Panthers (10-6). Jake Delhomme has steered the team to a Super Bowl appearance in the past, but he is aging and injuries have taken their toll. At this point in his career, he is at best a caretaker behind center. Luckily he has a stud receiver when Steve Smith is split wide. The problem with Smith is he seems to get injured and/or is suspended often. Running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart give the Panthers a lethal one-two punch in the backfield, and the makings of a solid ball-control offense. The defense is solid with Julius Peppers, and the unit keeps teams off the scoreboard. When at full strength, the Panthers have the weapons to be in, and win, most weeks. The money here says that the team remains relatively healthy and outlasts the rest of the division.

Matt Ryan and the Falcons look to challenge for the AFC South title this year.

Atlanta Falcons (9-7). Matt Ryan enters his second year in the league and looks to fulfill lofty expectations thanks to a strong rookie season. Roddy White is blossoming into a Pro Bowl caliber receiver, and TE Tony Gonzalez is a welcome addition. Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood compliment each other very well in the backfield, with Norwood providing a legit Wildcat option. The defense is improving and the Falcons will push the Panthers for the division title. On defense, DE John Abraham aims to lay out opposing quarterbacks and put the Falcons in a position to win. Ryan will continue to evolve as a future star in the league, but the Falcons are a year and two defensive playmakers away from truly contending for the Lombardi Trophy.

New Orleans Saints (8-8). A team with one of the most prolific offenses in the league, the Saints should be contending for a trip to the Super Bowl. A questionable defense stands in the way. Quarterback Drew Brees puts up the numbers to rank among the best passers each year thanks in part to the talented Marques Colston. RB Pierre Thomas takes over as the featured back, with overrated Reggie Bush acting as a receiving threat out of the backfield. If TE Jeremy Shockey’s health matched his obnoxious level of confidence, the Saints passing attack would be even better. The defense needs to step up, or another disappointing finish is on the horizon.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12). After choking on the last day of the season, the Bucs missed the postseason and coach Jon Gruden was sent packing for the warm Monday Night Football television booth. Now, rookie head coach Raheem Morris, 32, looks to rebuild the Bucs. He has a tough job ahead of him, and has already canned offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski. Stability is not in the offensive playbook this year. The team added to a deep backfield by signing Derrick Ward to go with Earnest Graham and Cadillac Williams. However, the squad has no legit receivers outside of Antonio Bryant, who has been waived so often in his career that he has one NFL jersey for each day of the week. Quarterback is a huge question mark entering the season as Byron Leftwich is the starter. Leftwich has never lived up to his potential, and is simply warming the seat for rookie Josh Freeman. A first round pick, Freeman has a long way to go before he comes close to justifying he first round status. The defense must play without the guidance of Monte Kiffin, who bolted to join his son Lane at the University of Tennessee. There are just too many question marks to take this team seriously. Bucs fans, you can go home again. Welcome back to the division cellar.