Predicting the 2024 records and end of season rankings for the NFC South

The NFC South hasn't exactly produced the highest quality of football over the last two seasons, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers claiming the titles with 8-9 and 9-8 records.

However, things could be about to change in 2024 for the better.  The Buccaneers appear set to make another run at the division crown, and the Atlanta Falcons with Kirk Cousins under center and Raheem Morris on the sideline look set to give them a strong challenge.

I invited the other three writers who cover the Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints to weigh in on how they see the 2024 season going for each team on their respective beats.

1) Atlanta Falcons (11-6)

The Atlanta Falcons are set up for success in 2024 with talent on both sides of the ball.

Possibly the more threatening side of the ball, however, is their offense, which is stacked with endless offensive weapons. The Falcons drafted Bijan Robinson last year, whose elite talent has yet to be maximized. Tight end Kyle Pitts has been dual training at the wide receiver position to give the offense even more looks and wide receiver Drake London is due for a breakout year.

The best part about it all is that the Falcons have a revamped coaching staff under new head coach Raheem Morris and a quarterback with a reliable arm in Kirk Cousins.

Sure, the Falcons will get tripped up here and there, but they have the easiest schedule based on strength, according to Sharp Football Analysis.

So between that and their star-stubbed roster and coaching switch up, there’s no excuse they don’t make it to the playoffs this year. If anything, there’s no way that the Falcons could go 7-10 for the fourth straight season in a row. - Kelsey Kramer

2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear geared up for a run at their fourth straight NFC South crown.  With Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans back, the passing game shouldn't miss a bet.  Mayfield's familiarity with offensive coordinator Liam Coen should also help facilitate a smooth transition.  Add in first round pick Graham Barton in the middle of an offensive line that needed a spark, and the Bucs' offense could be suited to improve upon 2023.

However, their schedule sets up for an absolutely brutal first half stretch, with two games against Atlanta, Philadelphia, a trip to New Orleans, and games against Baltimore, Kansas City, and San Francisco all in a seven-week period before the bye week.

The Bucs could have a chance to dig themselves out of a hole for the second straight year with a very soft stretch after the bye week.  However, with the Falcons looking significantly better, it won't quite be enough to win the division again, rather snagging a wild card this time around. - Craig Smith

3) New Orleans Saints (9-8)

The Saints could win the NFC South crown with nine wins. It will be intriguing to see how much the Falcons improve with Kirk Cousins at quarterback. The Bucs' roster is similar to 2023, so it's fair to expect that they will be somewhere around .500 once again, too. The Panthers are the Panthers. They’ll be the division’s caboose again.

The Saints must stay afloat with a tough first month of the season and finish strong against a rather "soft" final handful of games, comparatively, if they want to return to the postseason, though. The pressure is on for Dennis Allen, and he has to find a way to deliver. - Adam Holt

4) Carolina Panthers (6-11)

Amid all the unknown, one fact remains true about the 2024 Carolina Panthers: The team won't be worse than it was in 2023.Carolina spent the offseason addressing some of its central concerns. First Dan Morgan was elevated to the role of general manager. The Panthers then hired head coach Dave Canales as a "quarterback whisperer" for Bryce Young, who struggled during his rookie season. Success, for Carolina, is predicated on quality offensive line play, Canales' play action scheme that will get the ball out of Young's hands quicker and a defense that is willing to punch above its weight.

By adding Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt, the Panthers addressed the offensive line. With Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette, Carolina found playmakers. That could be enough in the NFC South, one of the weakest divisions in football.

Expect Carolina to be competitive this year. However, the playoffs are still one or two seasons away. - Ian Kayanja