NFL power rankings: Breaking down each division heading into 2018
By Peter Panacy
Coming in at No. 1 in our divisional NFL power rankings, the NFC South.
Why? Well, last year this division sent three teams to the playoffs — the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons. Each one of those teams posted double-digit wins, and there’s little reason to assume any of them will be set for a major regression in 2018.
The Saints, despite having a 38-year-old quarterback in Drew Brees, managed to diversify the offense. It was great to see running backs Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram shoulder a major load.
And that defense? It’s young and developing. It should be even better this year.
They’ll get some hot competition from the Falcons, though, after Atlanta finished with something of a disappointing year last year. A 10-6 disappointment, that is.
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and Co. should benefit from a full season under offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. Head coach Dan Quinn’s defense might take a small step back this year, but the Falcons will still be a tough challenge for anybody.
And the Panthers, particularly if quarterback Cam Newton can revert back to MVP form, remain a top contender.
Heck, even the talented-yet-underachieving Tampa Bay Buccaneers could arguably be the best last-place team in the NFL this season.
Next: NFL power rankings: 32-team breakdown after the 2018 NFL Draft
Look for one of these three contenders to make a serious shot at a Super Bowl this year.