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NFL predictions: Which teams will top NFC and AFC?

By Brad Miller

January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass against Arizona Cardinals during the first half in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass against Arizona Cardinals during the first half in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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A look at the NFC South

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton gets away from Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton gets away from Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

NFC South

1.       Carolina                                13-3

2.       Tampa Bay                          10-6

3.       Atlanta                                 9-7

4.       New Orleans                      6-10

Carolina, fresh off a Super Bowl appearance, will look to head back that way in the 2016 season.  Their tenacious defense led by LB Luke Kuechly should continue to keep opposing offenses from tally too many points.  On the other side of the ball you have the reigning NFL MVP Cam Newton.  He had an amazing 35-touchdown passes last year and that was without his best receiver, Kelvin Benjamin, who will look to contribute his numbers to the team’s stats.  Back are WR Ted Ginn Jr and RB Jonathan Stewart who balanced the offensive attack last year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

The Tampa Bay Bucs will not sneak up on anyone this year.  Seemingly under the radar, new head coach Dirk Koetter has a solid group put together, led by former Florida State standout QB Jameis Winston.  Winston will have some tools at his disposal in RB Doug Martin and WRs Mike Evans, Cecil Shorts and Vincent Jackson.

What team has more up and down seasons than the Atlanta Falcons?  They have stability at the QB position in nine-year vet Matt Ryan.  WR Roddy White has now retired and the Falcons brought in former Cincinnati WR Mohammad Sanu to complement All Pro WR Julio Jones.  RB Devonta Freeman will work to build off his 1,061-yard rushing season from last year.  On the defensive side of the ball, CB Desmond Trufant and DE Adrian Clayborn will work to get the ball back in the hands of the talented offense.

New Orleans Saints will look to improve on a 2015 season where their defense gave up a NFL record 45 passing touchdowns.  Veteran QB Drew Brees will need to continue to score at a prolific rate if they want to win some games this year.  Helping him in that department will be TE Coby Fleener, WRs Brandin Cooks and Brandon Coleman, and RB Mark Ingram.

Next: Who is tops in the NFC East?

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