The NFC South probably has the best collection of QBs in the NFL which makes NFC South betting very interesting, and that's even including overall #1 Draft pick Cam Newton at Carolina. With Matt Ryan, Drew Brees and Josh Freeman already in place, it's difficult to come up with a better group in any division. Our NFC South odds will be updating daily as interceptions are thrown, and TD heroes are made so definitely keep checkin back in the sportsbook as the NFL odds update. Definitely get your NFL South lines at their longest before the 2011 NFL Season kicks off. Here's some banter that's been chatted up in the preseason about these teams:
2010's Division winner, Atlanta, features an explosive, yet balanced offense with Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White, TE Tony Gonzalez, and, as if they needed another game-breaker, rookie WR Julio Jones. The Falcons offensive line is experienced and skilled, and their kicking game is solid. Atlanta's defense doesn't have as many marquee names, but the unit is solid and aggressive. DEs John Abraham and Ray Edwards are pass-rushing demons, while DT Jason Babineaux is a competent run-stuffer. The linebackers are veteran and savvy, with adequate depth behind the starters. The secondary is probably the area of the most concern.
The Falcons vs Saints will happen in NFL Week 10 and NFL Week 16. The Falcons vs Buccaneers will happen in NFL Week 3 and NFL Week 17. The Falcons vs Panthers will happen in NFL Week 6 and NFL Week 14.
The Carolina Panthers are essentially starting over, with a new coaching staff coming in. Ron Rivera has replaced long-time coach John Fox, and expect the Panthers to be much more active on offense. Newton is expected to become the face of the franchise, but Rivera is urging patience. RBs DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson are perhaps the best 1-2-3 unit in the NFL, while WR Steve Smith is expected to bounce back. The off-season acquisitions of TEs Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen provide Newton with some security, while the OL, although frighteningly thin in depth, should be better with the return of OT Jeff Otah. Carolina's defense was the team's strength last season, but was worn down by an ineffective offense, having to spend too much time on the field. The DL is young, and the interior run defense is a work in progress, with two rookies the likely starters. Re-signing DE Charles Johnson was a plus, but there are still serious concerns here. Linebackers Beason, Davis and Anderson are solid and proven, but the secondary has question marks, especially at the corners.
New Orleans is looking to regain their swagger after an injury-plagued season. Brees is still capable of heroics, but even he can't do it alone. The Reggie Bush Experiment ended with the mercurial RBs' trade to Miami, and the Saints are hoping a backfield-by-committee approach, with Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles and rookie Mark Ingram can replace Bush's numbers. WRs Marques Colston and Devery Henderson provide a great 1-2 punch, and second-year TE Jimmy Graham is being touted as an eventual superstar. The OL, although getting along in years, should still be effective. On defense, New Orleans is strong at the back with serious question marks among the front seven. There are a lot of unproven players being counted on, especially up front, meaning inconsistency appears inevitable.
The Saints vs Buccaneers will happen in NFL Week 6 and NFL Week 9. The Saints vs Panthers will happen in NFL Week 5 and NFL Week 17.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the trendy pick to be the surprise team of the NFC. Freeman, now in his third season, has all the intangibles and should only get better. Undrafted rookie RB LaGarrette Blount came out of nowhere to key the Bucs ground game, while the receiving corps of WRs Mike Williams and Aurrelious Benn, along with TE Kellen Winslow, give Freeman some talented targets. The young OL oozes potential. Tampa's defense is also young and talented, with a potentially elite 1-2 DT tandem in Gerald McCoy and Roy Miller. The linebackers are unheralded but solid performers, while the secondary is a nice mixture of experience and youth.
The Panthers vs Buccaneers will happen in NFL Week 13 and NFL Week 16.
2012 NFC South Division odds |
| Team | Odds | ||
| Atlanta Falcons | 1-30 | ||
| Carolina Panthers | 15-1 | ||
| New Orleans Saints | 15-1 | ||
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 15-1 | ||