ODDS TO WIN THE NFC South

Tampa Bay continued a divisional trend of no repeat winner and a rise from the bottom to the top to finish 9-7 and win the division. Carolina couldn't overcome the loss of Jake Delhomme and a terrible performance from their front four in finishing 8-8. New Orleans couldn't build on their '06 dream season, starting 0-4 and ending with a 6-10 record as injuries wrecked their backfield. Atlanta endured the most traumatic season of their history thanks to Michael Vick's off-field actions and Bobby Petrino's abrupt resignation and crashed to a 4-12 record.

The Saints realized their defense needed a lot of work after finishing 26th overall and 30th vs. the pass. They traded for Jonathan Vilma and drafted DT Sedrick Ellis to solidify the middle. They need Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush to stay healthy and for Drew Brees to play like he did in the 2nd half of '07.

The Bucs aren't getting much respect for a division winner but they aren't flashy or dynamic on offense. Jeff Garcia is another year older and has battled injuries in the preseason. Adding C Jeff Faine gives the O-line a nasty veteran, something sorely needed. The defense should be solid but is aging in some key spots.

The Panthers have re-dedicated themselves to a strong ground game by spending 1st-round picks on RB Jonathan Stewart and RT Jeff Otah. The tandem of GM Marty Hurney and HC John Fox know their jobs are on the line and they need Delhomme to have a big season. They suspended their best player, Steve Smith, for the first two games for punching teammate Ken Lucas and that's not a good thing.

The Falcons got rid of several veteran players in the offseason and followed that with a strong draft. They want to turn the offense over to rookie QB Matt Ryan but he'll need time to develop. The defense will be better but the D-line has several question marks.

Only Atlanta is out of the division race as the season starts. The other three have each won the division in the last three years. The Saints have the best QB, the Bucs have the best defense and the Panthers have potentially the best running game. This division is tough to call but we like Brees to lead the Saints to their second title in three years.

Our Pick - New Orleans Saints

NFC South Betting Lines

New Orleans Saints 5-4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 15-8
Carolina Panthers 9-4
Atlanta Falcons 14-1

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