NFC South Odds

Can the Saints retain their NFC South crown and make another championship run, or will the Super Bowl "hangover" trend continue in 2010? Here's your NFC South preview, with odds compliments of BetED.com.

The New Orleans Saints (-165 odds to win the NFC South) at 5Dimes should at least be able to earn another division title. They welcome back an absolutely loaded offensive, and any team quarterbacked by Drew Brees should compete. All of last year's skill players are back, so the NFL's No. 1 offense should retain its ranking. The only question mark is left tackle, as Jammal Brown was dealt to the Redskins. Jermon Bushrod is pencilled in right now, but he could give way to second-rounder Charles Brown.

If the Saints take a step back, blame the defense. Although it enjoyed a fine 2009, the "D" definitely sagged in the latter stages of the season. The Saints didn't lose any stars in the offseason, but key role players like Scott Fujita and Charles Grant have moved on. It is hoped first-round corner Patrick Robinson can shore up the secondary.

The Atlanta Falcons (+200 NFC South odds) posted back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in history, but they failed to deliver a second straight postseason appearance. There was very little tinkering during the offseason, with just two players signing and two players leaving via free agency-all defensive backs. Dunta Robinson was the big addition; it's hoped the cornerback can improve Atlanta's 28th-ranked pass defense.

The offense should benefit from a healthy Michael Turner, who slumped after a 1699-yard, 17-touchdown campaign in 2008. Matt Ryan had a solid second season and, with a nice receiving trio to work with (Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White and Michael Jenkins), he could be poised for a breakout season.

After winning a dozen games in 2008, the Carolina Panthers (+600 NFC South odds) fell back to .500 last season. The offense imploded, largely because of inept play from Jake Delhomme. He was jettisoned and will be replaced under center by Matt Moore, who led the Panthers to three straight wins to close out the season. Moore played well (eight touchdowns, zero picks in his last four starts), but he'll be looking over his shoulder at second-round pick Jimmy Clausen. Clausen is the future in Carolina. The Panthers employ a brilliant running game; DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart helped the team average 156 yards per game last year.

The Panthers finished among the top 10 teams in fewest points and yards allowed, but the rush "D" could use some work; the team ranked 22nd in that department. Carolina took a hit when defensive end Julius Peppers fled via free agency to the Bears. Peppers' play was often enigmatic, but it will be difficult to replace his 81 sacks from the past eight seasons.

Finally, we reach the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+600 NFC South odds). The Buccs are rebuilding and will undoubtedly be one of the worst teams in 2010. The running game is plodding with Earnest Graham and Carnell Williams splitting time, and the receivers don't intimidate anyone (Mike Williams, Reggie Brown, Michael Clayton). Their starting quarterback, Josh Freeman, is entering just his second season-though he did show flashes last year. Wide out Arrelious Benn was drafted in the second round and should start, but he certainly can't turn the offense around.

The defense, on the other hand, is beginning to fill out with some nice young players. Tampa focused heavily on the line during the draft, taking Gerald McCoy third overall and Brian Price early in the second round. The defensive tackle duo should work well together and their long-term impact looks great. The secondary has a few building blocks to work with in Tanard Jackson and Aqib Talib, while Barrett Rudd is one of the better middle linebackers in the NFL. This unit has a long way to go, but it's a start.