1. Atlanta Falcons

They brought in the quarterback in Kirk Cousins and drafted his future replacement in Michael Penix Jr. And they also improved their defense which puts them atop the favorites to win the South.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Winners of the NFC South the last three seasons, there’s no denying that they can do it again, but they still have some weak spots that weren’t addressed.

3. New Orleans Saints

The head coaching prowess of Dennis Allen will come into question this season as will the future of QB Derek Carr in New Orleans should they stumble.

4. Carolina Panthers

With an owner as volatile as David Tepper, the Panthers will struggle to have some semblance of normalcy in the immediate future.

Head Coach: Raheem Morris (Los Angeles Rams)

Key Position: Defense

There is a lot of intrigue in Atlanta and it’s not just on offense with the arrival of QB Kirk Cousins. On defense the addition of DB Jessie Bates last season made all the difference. The passing defense was ranked 8th and Bates led the team in tackles and interceptions with 6. It wasn’t enough as the team had only 8 total interceptions and 42 sacks which ranked 21st. Atlanta traded for edge rusher Matthew Judon from the Patriots and signed DB Justin Simmons after his release from Denver. Those two will make huge impacts as will DL Grady Jarrett and CB A.J. Terrell. If Jarrett remains healthy and with Terrell becoming a shutdown corner, this unit will become a strength.

Key Acquisitions: QB Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), CB Antonio Hamilton (Arizona Cardinals), DE/LB Matthew Judon (New England Patriots), WR Ray-Ray McCloud III (San Francisco 49ers), WR Darnell Mooney (Chicago Bears), DB Justin Simmons (Denver Broncos)

Key Rookies: QB Michael Penix Jr., DL Ruke Orhorhoro

Head Coach: Todd Bowles

Key Position: Running Back

Rachaad White is becoming the workhorse in Tampa Bay. The rushing prowess isn’t quite there yet, but he is making an impact in the passing game with 64 catches last season. There isn’t competition for White’s position, but with Chase Edmonds and rookie Bucky Irving added to the mix, there are a couple of home run threats that add a new wrinkle to the offense.

Key Acquisitions: OL Ben Bredeson (NY Giants), CB Bryce Hall (NY Jets), DB Jordan Whitehead (NY Jets)

Key Rookies: OL Graham Barton, LB Chris Braswell, DB Tykee Smith, WR Jalen McMillan, RB Bucky Irving

Head Coach: Dennis Allen

Key Position: Offense

RB Alvin Kamara isn’t the same rusher anymore. He is still an elusive target in the passing game, but he isn’t the every down back that New Orleans thought he would be. Taysom Hill plays all over the place and is the more established rusher which is saying something. QB Derek Carr came to the Saints because of his familiarity with head coach Dennis Allen from his days with the Raiders as their head coach. Unfortunately it’s becoming just like those days with the inconsistencies on offense plaguing any progress. WR Chris Olave is a stud and will be seeing a lot more double teams. Can newly acquired WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. play like he did for the Cowboys instead of his time in Miami?

Key Acquisitions: LB Willie Gay (Kansas City Chiefs), WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Miami Dolphins), DE Chase Young (San Francisco 49ers)

Key Rookies: OT Taliese Fuaga, CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

Head Coach: Dave Canales (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Key Position: Everything

Is this finally the year this franchise turns the corner? I’m not gonna give up on QB Bryce Young after just one year and neither should Carolina. They invested in the offensive line with Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis getting paid handsomely. Rookies Xavier Legette and Jonathan Brooks should make immediate impacts. Young has a new target in WR Diontae Johnson along with WR Adam Thielen they form a solid duo. I don’t believe trading away DE/LB Brian Burns and replacing him with DE/LB Jadeveon Clowney will work in the end. Their defense was ranked 4th overall and 3rd against the pass, but that was with Burns. LB Shaq Thompson is the established leader and CB Jaycee Horn could become a legitimate shutdown corner if he stays on the field.

Key Acquisitions: DE/LB K’Lavon Chaisson (Jacksonville Jaguars), DE/LB Jadeveon Clowney (Baltimore Ravens), DB Jordan Fuller (LA Rams), OL Robert Hunt (Miami Dolphins), WR Diontae Johnson (Pittsburgh Steelers), OL Damien Lewis (Seattle Seahawks), DL A’Shawn Robinson (NY Giants), DB Nick Scott (Cincinnati Bengals), LB Josey Jewell (Denver Broncos)

Key Rookies: WR Xavier Legette, RB Jonathan Brooks, LB Trevin Wallace, TE Ja’Tavion Sanders