NFL Divisional Previews – 2011 NFC South Betting Breakdown
The 2011-2012 NFL season is looming but unfortunately so is the unfortunate Lockout. The eternal optimist that I am, I have compiled odds and predictions for each division in the knowledge that the owners and the players cannot be as ridiculous as they look.
The NFC South could end up being the most competitive division in the NFL. Thanks to the Carolina Panthers, every other team is almost guaranteed two wins. If and when the labour issues are resolved, co-favourites to win the South, New Orleans and Atlanta will try to hold off an emerging Tampa Bay squad for the division crown.
In an era of parity, expect a close race with only of the faves doing what they are supposed to do.
New Orleans Saints
Odds To Win NFC South +120
Odds To Win Super Bowl +1200
The New Orleans Saints will have plenty of motivation going into the 2011 campaign – a loss to the lowly Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs is plenty of reason for the team to go out and show why last year was an aberration and that they are truly serious contenders to win their second Super Bowl in three years. Drew Brees had a bad season by all accounts in 2010 (22 interceptions after just 11 in 2009) and the running game had an unfair share of injuries.
The defense took a step back last season as well but they added some playmakers through the draft – Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams has vowed that his squad will be better than it was last year.
I know that there is a fine line between success and failure in the NFL but I expect Brees to be better, the rushers to be healthy, the defense to have improved and ultimately, for the Saints to return to prominence this season.
Saints NFC South Prediction: 12-4 and a division title in a very tough NFC South for the Saints.
Atlanta Falcons
Odds To Win NFC South +120
Odds To Win Super Bowl +1200
Defending NFC South champions Atlanta will have their work cut out for them this season – the added bull`s eye on their backs won`t help! The offense will be fine with Matt Ryan Roddy White, Michael Turner and an aging Tony Gonzalez but the defense is what will ultimately cost them this season. Teams use the draft to fill holes, address needs and to make themselves better. I am not sure that trading five draft picks for Julio Jones accomplished any of this.
On paper, the Saints appear to be better in almost every aspect of the game – my guess is that the same will prove true on the field. While other teams have improved, the Falcons look like the same team that took the NFL by storm last season.
The same won`t happen again.
Falcons NFC South Prediction: 11-5 takes Atlanta to the playoffs but keeps them from a second AFC South crown.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Odds To Win NFC South +400
Odds To Win Super Bowl +3000
The Buccaneers could be “that team” that sneaks up on everyone this season and makes some serious noise – or they could underachieve. My guess is that the former takes place. Josh Freeman leads an emerging offense that has good, young talent in the running and the passing games. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Coach Raheem Morris and his staff have quietly been putting themselves together quite a defense as well – their draft was stellar and the returning players are hungry.
Tampa is one of the most exciting young teams to keep an eye on. With young talent on both sides of the ball, expect a competitive Bucs team that may be one year away from an NFC South crown.
Bucs NFC South Prediction: A 10-6 season serves notice that this team is no joke.
Carolina Panthers
Odds To Win NFC South +2000
Odds To Win Super Bowl +300000
It is difficult to imagine the Panthers making any headway at all this season. Ron Rivera will be the next NFL coach to prove that “system and culture” does not always translate to success. Without enough talent on both sides of the ball, disappointment is almost guaranteed!
Panthers NFC South Prediction: A 4-12 season is likely with little hope on the horizon.
As Always Comments Are Welcome Below!!!
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2011 Divisional Previews
2011 NFC North Futures
2011 NFC West Futures
2011 NFC South Futures
2011 NFC East Futures
2011 AFC North Futures
2011 AFC West Futures
2011 AFC South Futures
2011 AFC East Futures
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