NFC South, preview of 2025 NFL season: Buccaneers the strong favorites

This Thursday marks the official start of a new NFL season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers once again look like the team to beat in the NFC South. The Atlanta Falcons are betting on the Michael Penix Jr. era after moving on from Kirk Cousins. The Carolina Panthers are giving Bryce Young one more chance, while the New Orleans Saints remain an enigma with Spencer Rattler.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The possibility of a fourth straight division crown depends on how healthy their receivers are. Chris Godwin is questionable for the opener. Jalen McMillan has already been ruled out for the rest of the year. Even so, they still have Mike Evans and promising youngster Emeka Egbuka.

Tampa Bay essentially doubled down on continuity after clinching the division in the final week of the season. They finished with a 10–7 record, only to suffer a painful 23–20 home playoff loss to the Washington Commanders – last year’s breakout team. Baker Mayfield now wants to take the next step.

Player to watch: Mike Evans, wide receiver, 32

The veteran receiver comes off yet another 1,000-yard season – a mark he has surpassed in all 11 of his NFL campaigns. He also reached double digits in touchdowns with 11.

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons’ gamble on Kirk Cousins failed, as he ended up benched for Michael Penix Jr. Now, in his second year, Penix must prove why the team chose him over the veteran.

One of Atlanta’s main issues was defense. To address it, they replaced coordinator Jimmy Lake with Jeff Ulbrich and added Leonard Floyd and Xavier Watts. The Falcons ranked just 23rd in total defense last season, surrendering 5,868 yards.

Player to watch: Bijan Robinson, running back, 23

The running back is the true star of Atlanta’s offense. In his second year, he piled up 1,456 rushing yards and 431 receiving yards, with 15 total touchdowns – 14 on the ground and one through the air.

Carolina Panthers

Last season was a mixed bag for Bryce Young. Even so, the Panthers’ ownership decided to give both him and coach Dave Canales another shot. Chuba Hubbard is coming off a strong year with 1,100 rushing yards, while the draft added promising receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

The big question in Carolina is whether that’s enough to contend, especially given they were the league’s worst defense a year ago. In free agency they added Tershawn Wharton from the Chiefs, edge rusher Patrick Jones from the Vikings, and former Rams tackle Bobby Brown. It’s hard to imagine this defense being any worse than last season.

Player to watch: Chuba Hubbard, running back, 26

Hubbard is fresh off his best career season, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards and reaching double-digit touchdowns for the first time. He represents Carolina’s best hope of returning to the playoffs.

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints are a major unknown heading into the year. Spencer Rattler has been named starting quarterback, while Kellen Moore takes over as head coach after Dennis Allen’s departure.

Rattler has done little to inspire confidence – the team went 0–6 with him under center. Moore would need to work wonders to spark a surprise turnaround.

Player to watch: Alvin Kamara, running back, 30

Alongside receiver Chris Olave, Kamara is the lone bright spot on offense. He fell just short of 1,000 rushing yards last season with 950 and will need to be the focal point if the Saints are to make noise.

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