NFL expert doesn't pick Saints to win the division because of this fatal flaw

The New Orleans Saints came close to winning the NFC South title a season ago, finishing the season at 9-8. They held the same record as the eventual division-winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers but lost out on the title due to tiebreakers.

The Bucs won their third straight NFC South crown a season ago and they're hoping to make it four straight in 2024, which would tie the Saints for the most consecutive titles since the division was put together in 2002. It took until 2014 before we had a repeat winner in the division and that was the Carolina Panthers who accomplished that feat, winning the NFC South in 2013, 2014, and 2015.

The Saints then won four straight titles from 2017 to 2020 and now the Bucs have won three in a row. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated thinks they're about to win their fourth in a row. When pressed on how he thought would win the NFC South in 2024, Breer said the Buccaneers.

"The simple reason is in a division that’s relatively even, I think the Buccaneers check the most boxes. Their quarterback, Baker Mayfield, has grown into what the Cleveland Browns thought he’d be in 2018, even if people aren’t paying attention. The offensive line, anchored by franchise left tackle Tristan Wirfs and having added first-rounder Graham Barton should be good. The skill guys are proven. The defense has strength up the middle, with Vita Vea, Lavonte David and Antoine Winfield Jr. as anchors. The play-callers are really good."

Not only did Breer outline why he thought Tampa would reign supreme in the division but he listed why the other three teams probably wouldn't.

"Conversely, I’m not sure about the Atlanta Falcons’ pass rush, the New Orleans Saints’ offensive line, or a lot of things for the Carolina Panthers. So Tampa will win it for a fourth straight year."

Breer doesn't believe in Saints offensive line, picks Bucs to win NFC South

It's not like the Saints having offensive line issues is news to the fan base. The offensive line has dropped off tremendously over the past several years and this year's unit is questionable at best. They spent a first-round pick on Taliese Fuaga hoping that he could be the franchise left tackle that Trevor Penning was supposed to be.

Speaking of Penning, he's entering a crucial third year and was switched to right tackle. If he doesn't play better this year, it's doubtful he'll be in the Saints' long-term plans moving forward. Also on the o-line are Lucas Patrick (left guard), Erik McCoy (center), and Cesar Ruiz (right guard). Fans are familiar with McCoy and Ruiz but Patrick is a new face. He was brought in this offseason to help add some veteran experience to the o-line.

The good news is that the division is still pretty wide open. If the Saints o-line can be average, there's no reason why they can't steal the division away from the Bucs or the potentially overhyped Falcons.