Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2016 20:00:49 GMT
1. Carolina Panthers
Carolina surprised nearly everybody with an incredible one-loss season, only to fall one game short of completing their championship run. With Luke Kuechly, Josh Norman, and Thomas Davis, Carolina's defense should look to remain one of the leagues best. Getting Kelvin Benjamin back should help the offense as well. If Cam continues his play from last year, this Panthers team looks as dangerous as any to make a trip back to the superbowl.
2. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons had one of the most disappointing seasons of any team in the NFL last year, starting off 5-0 and failing to end the season with a winning record. Inconsistent quarterback play and a mediocre defense combined for a very up and down team. But they were able to hand the Panthers their only loss of the season late in the year. A couple of nice pick ups in Mack and Sanu should help bolster an already efficient offense into an elite playmaking team. Unfortunately for the Falcons, they aren't the only team in their division looking to improve on a lackluster season...
3. New Orleans Saints
I can't be the only one who thinks it's starting to look like the Drew Brees era in NO is coming to an end, right? The 37 year old put up impressive stats, but with virtually no help from the rushing attack the offense was very inefficient. The Saints desperately need some pass rushers to provide some relief for their secondary, but I'm not so sure Stupar is the answer to that problem. The NFC South looks to be tougher than it's been in years in 2016, and it appears as if the Saints are not going to be able to keep up.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are one of my sleeper teams to make a push for a wildcard spot in the NFC. Jameis Winston came into his own in the second half of the season, and if he can convince Mike Evans to work on his mental game, the offense should be dynamic. Sweezy should help bolster pass protection for Winston, who was sacked 27 times last year. Brent Grimes is a great pickup, as the Bucs desperately needed help in the secondary. A fairly light out of division schedule means we could very well see the Bucs with a winning record for the first time since 2010.
- Last season record: 15-1
- Key Acquisitions: DT Paul Soliali, C Gino Gradokowski, Franchise Tag CB Josh Norman,
- Key Losses: DE Jared Allen,
- Projected 16/17 record: 13-3
Carolina surprised nearly everybody with an incredible one-loss season, only to fall one game short of completing their championship run. With Luke Kuechly, Josh Norman, and Thomas Davis, Carolina's defense should look to remain one of the leagues best. Getting Kelvin Benjamin back should help the offense as well. If Cam continues his play from last year, this Panthers team looks as dangerous as any to make a trip back to the superbowl.
2. Atlanta Falcons
- Last season record: 8-8
- Key Acquisitions: C Alex Mack, WR Mohammed Sanu, DE Derrick Shelby
- Key Losses: WR Roddy White
- Projected 16/17 record: 9-7
The Falcons had one of the most disappointing seasons of any team in the NFL last year, starting off 5-0 and failing to end the season with a winning record. Inconsistent quarterback play and a mediocre defense combined for a very up and down team. But they were able to hand the Panthers their only loss of the season late in the year. A couple of nice pick ups in Mack and Sanu should help bolster an already efficient offense into an elite playmaking team. Unfortunately for the Falcons, they aren't the only team in their division looking to improve on a lackluster season...
3. New Orleans Saints
- Last season record: 7-9
- Key Acquisitions: TE Coby Fleener, DE Nathan Stupar, K Josh Scobee
- Key Losses: WR Marques Colsten
- Projected 16/17 record: 5-11
I can't be the only one who thinks it's starting to look like the Drew Brees era in NO is coming to an end, right? The 37 year old put up impressive stats, but with virtually no help from the rushing attack the offense was very inefficient. The Saints desperately need some pass rushers to provide some relief for their secondary, but I'm not so sure Stupar is the answer to that problem. The NFC South looks to be tougher than it's been in years in 2016, and it appears as if the Saints are not going to be able to keep up.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Last year record: 6-10
- Key acquisitions: G JR Sweezy, DE Robert Ayers, CB Brent Grimes, Re-sign RB Doug Martin
- Key Losses: HC Lovie Smith
- Projected 16/17 record: 8-8
The Bucs are one of my sleeper teams to make a push for a wildcard spot in the NFC. Jameis Winston came into his own in the second half of the season, and if he can convince Mike Evans to work on his mental game, the offense should be dynamic. Sweezy should help bolster pass protection for Winston, who was sacked 27 times last year. Brent Grimes is a great pickup, as the Bucs desperately needed help in the secondary. A fairly light out of division schedule means we could very well see the Bucs with a winning record for the first time since 2010.
