NFC South preseason power rankings: The division is ready to change its narrative
The 2024 preseason is officially over. The next time teams will be on the field, the games will actually count. Until then, franchises will trim their rosters down to 53 players, and start to prepare for their Week 1 matchups.
Among all of the Week 1 games is a contest between the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers. The two teams will start the action for an NFC South division that isn’t expected to accomplish much this season. However, all four teams are planning to change the narrative on the division by surpassing expectations.
NFC South power rankings entering the 2024 season
4. Carolina Panthers
Previous ranking: 4
The Carolina Panthers finally played their starters, and they looked good. Second-year quarterback Bryce Young completed 6-of-8 passes for 70 yards and one touchdown. He led the starting unit right down the field for a touchdown on the opening drive, showcasing who they hope to be under Dave Canales.
Carolina will have to play with this kind of consistency in the regular season before anyone takes them serious, though.
3. Atlanta Falcons
Previous ranking: 2
The Atlanta Falcons have crushed the offseason, but everyone is waiting to see how they will really look on the field. The Falcons didn’t give many glimpses throughout the preseason, opting to sit key players the last two weeks, including rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. As a result, Atlanta was 0-3 in the preseason, including a 31-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Previous ranking: 3
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sat their starters in the first two games, but played them in the final game. Tampa Bay was thrilled to see the top unit pick you right where they left off. Baker Mayfield executed a seven-play, 70-yard touchdown drive on the first play, and the veteran quarterback completed 3-of-3 passs for 54 yards.
With the Bucs’ core returning for another year, they’re hoping to win their fourth straight NFC South title.
1. New Orleans Saints
Previous ranking: 1
The last team to win the division that wasn’t the Buccaneers was the New Orleans Saints. That happened in 2020, and it was New Orleans fourth straight NFC South championship. Since then, the team has struggled, narrowly missing out on the playoffs in each season.
If that’s going to change, the Saints will need some young players to step up. Those players were on display throughout the preseason, and New Orleans looks like it will be a competitive team. In Week 1, the Saints will have the chance to send a message to the rest of the division.
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