The NFL season is just around the corner as training camps get underway across the league, which is great news for fans around the world. This year, we’re diving in with a full preview of each team and how they are shaping up heading into the season. We’ll take a look at key losses, notable additions, and provide an overall snapshot of where each franchise stands.
With that said, let’s kick things off with the notorious NFC South.
New Orleans Saints
Last Season Summary
One of the worst teams in the NFL last season was the New Orleans Saints, who finished with a disappointing 5–12 record and landed at the bottom of the NFC South standings. It’s almost a case of “the less said, the better,” as the Saints continue to refuse to operate like a rebuilding franchise. Instead, they attempt to contend year after year, despite having a roster and limited trade assets that make true contention nearly impossible.
Derek Carr was in his second season at the helm in New Orleans but was limited to just 10 games due to injury, which opened the door for rookie Spencer Rattler to get a shot under center. The offense struggled all season, lacking both firepower and efficiency, and when paired with a bottom-third defense, the result was another disastrous campaign for the Saints and their fans.
Key Additions
SS Justin Reid
OT Kelvin Banks Jr. (R)
QB Tyler Shough (R)
DT Vernon Broughton (R)
HC Kellen Moore (Coach)
DC Brandon Staley (Coach)
Key Losses
QB Derek Carr
OT Ryan Ramczyk
SS Will Harris
HC Dennis Allen (Coach)
Core Players
QB Tyler Shough (R)/Spencer Rattler
WR Chris Olave
RB Alvin Kamara
OT Kalvin Banks Jr. (R)
OT Taliese Fuaga
Edge Chase Young
MLB Demario Davis
SS Tyrann Mathieu
Season Preview
Offense: The Saints have a new play-caller in town, and he is fresh off a Super Bowl season with Philadelphia, where he helped lead one of the most prolific offenses in recent NFL memory. The challenge for Kellen Moore is the significant talent gap between that Eagles roster and the one he inherits in New Orleans.
One of the biggest questions Moore faces is who will start at quarterback. The options are Spencer Rattler or second-round pick Tyler Shough, who rose up draft boards during the pre-draft process. Many experts do not view either quarterback as a particularly exciting option, and the Saints are still searching for a true franchise signal-caller after the retirement of Drew Brees.
Moore’s top offensive weapons will be Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave, both of whom are highly talented but have concerning injury histories. Outside of those two, the Saints have an emerging threat in Rashid Shaheed, who is quickly proving himself as a legitimate NFL wide receiver.
The offensive line lost a key piece in Ryan Ramczyk, but there is still talent up front. The team has used back-to-back first-round picks on offensive linemen, which has boosted the unit’s potential. A major goal for this season will be to see meaningful growth from that group as the Saints look to build a foundation for the future.
Defense: The Saints’ defensive line is filled with players who either could break out or may already be past their prime, placing the unit in a middle ground that is neither ideal nor disastrous. There is a clear pocket of talent with strong pedigrees, including Chase Young, who recently signed an extension after spending a year in New Orleans. They also added Davon Godchaux via trade and are still waiting for former first-round pick Bryan Bresee to take the next step in his development.
The concern is that several other key pieces appear to be nearing the twilight of their careers. Longtime stars like Cam Jordan and Tyrann Mathieu are clearly in the final stages of their time in the NFL. In the secondary, alongside Mathieu, the Saints have Alontae Taylor, who looks like a legitimate playmaker, and they are hoping that former Alabama standout Kool-Aid McKinstry can continue to develop into a reliable contributor.
The most significant addition on defense this offseason is defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. Once considered one of the top defensive minds in the league, his success with the Rams helped earn him a head coaching opportunity with the Los Angeles Chargers. How well Staley can maximize the current talent will be a key factor in determining whether the Saints’ defense, which ranked 30th in 2024, can rise to at least a below-average level in 2025.
Best Future Bet: Saints Under 5.5 Wins @ $1.70
I think there is a solid chance this ends up being the worst team in football, mainly due to the quarterback position, which is likely the weakest in the league unless Tyler Shough proves to be a legitimate NFL signal-caller. While that outcome is not entirely out of the realm of possibility, it is difficult to count on. Even if he does live up to his second-round draft status, the environment around him may make it hard to win, especially considering that his two biggest playmakers are also injury-prone.
Status: Rebuilding
Atlanta Falcons
Last Season Summary
The Falcons have been a team stuck in NFL purgatory ever since their disastrous Super Bowl appearance, which set the franchise back for nearly a decade. However, 2024 marked a small step in the right direction. After a rough start to the season, Kirk Cousins was benched in favor of Michael Penix, the 8th overall pick in the 2024 draft, and the rookie showed some promising flashes that gave the franchise hope. The young talent the team has heavily invested in is finally starting to find its footing in the NFL. That said, the defense remained inconsistent and proved to be a problem throughout the year.
Overall, 2024 was a modest step forward for the Falcons, providing a reasonable foundation to build on heading into Year Two of Raheem Morris’s tenure as head coach.
Key Additions
Edge Leonard Floyd
DL Morgan Fox
S Jordan Fuller
Edge Jalon Walker (R)
Edge James Pearce Jr. (R)
S Xavier Watts (R)
S Billy Bowman Jr. (R)
DC Jeff Ulbrich (Coach)
Key Losses
WR Rondale Moore
Edge Matthew Judon
DT Grady Jarrett
S Richie Grant
S Justin Simmons
Core Players
QB Michael Penix Jr.
WR Drake London
RB Bijan Robinson
OG Chris Lindstrom
OT Jake Matthews
Edge Jalon Walker (R)
Edge Leonard Floyd
CB A.J. Terrell
S Jessie Bates III
Season Preview
Offense: As noted earlier, the Atlanta Falcons are entering Year Two of their new era, with Michael Penix Jr. now becoming the undisputed QB1 in Atlanta. After starting three games last season, Penix Jr. flashed the gunslinger qualities that made him the 8th overall pick in the draft. The most interesting part of this offense is the solid ecosystem built around the second-year quarterback, highlighted by an abundance of playmaking talent.
Leading the way is Bijan Robinson, who is beginning to look like he could reach the same tier of talent as Saquon Barkley. In the passing game, the Falcons have a true No. 1 receiver in Drake London, who broke out last year with 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns. Behind him is the team’s No. 2 option, Darnell Mooney, who more than doubled his production from his final season with the Bears after joining Atlanta. Another key name heading into the 2025 season is Kyle Pitts. He remains a polarizing figure due to his unique skill set, which led to him being selected fourth overall not too long ago. While he has yet to meet those lofty expectations, he is still a solid player, and this season could finally be his breakout year.
Perhaps the most promising aspect of the offensive ecosystem is the continuity along the offensive line. The unit is largely returning intact after being graded by PFF as a top-eight group in the league last season. If the Falcons can replicate that level of performance, they could set the stage for significant growth on offense in 2025.
Defense: One of the worst units in the league during the 2024–25 season was the Falcons’ defense, which ranked 28th in EPA per play and finished last in sack rate. This has been a recurring problem for the team over the years. The hope is that new Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich can reverse this trend in the upcoming season. One thing working in his favor is the front office’s effort to address the issue using nearly every resource available.
They signed veteran pass rusher Leonard Floyd, who is coming off a productive season with the Rams and should bring a steady presence to the locker room. On draft night, the Falcons used their first-round pick to select athletic standout Jalon Walker from Georgia. They then traded their 2026 first-round pick to move up and draft James Pearce Jr., a highly explosive edge rusher from Tennessee. These additions give Ulbrich several new weapons to help generate much-needed pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The biggest concern heading into the season is how the team will fill the void left by Grady Jarrett. He signed with the Bears in free agency after a decade of anchoring the middle of Atlanta’s defense and providing stability against the run. The hope is that a combination of the linebacking corps and young defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro can help the team stay afloat against the run, although there is reason for concern.
In the secondary, the Falcons have two star-level players. A.J. Terrell is one of the league’s top lockdown corners and can be trusted to cover top receivers on an island by himself. His presence allows Jessie Bates III to roam the middle of the field and take on more responsibility in coverage. If the pass rush improves, the secondary will not be forced to cover for extended periods, which could lead to better overall defensive performance.
Best Future Bet: Bijan Robinson +1250 Rushing Yards @ $2.30
Robinson is a very special running back talent, and I fully expect the Falcons to feature him heavily once again this season. After a year in which he rushed for over 1,400 yards, it’s hard to imagine him falling short of that mark unless something unexpected occurs. He should see similar volume and will be running behind a familiar and reliable offensive line.
If you’re feeling even more ambitious about Robinson’s upside, he would be my favorite underdog pick to lead the league in rushing at $13.
Status: Playoff Hopefuls
Carolina Panthers
Last Season Summary
The NFC South is home to another one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL, but the question is whether they are finally beginning to turn a corner. The 2024 season started in possibly the worst way imaginable for the Panthers. Bryce Young was benched by new head coach Dave Canales in hopes of finding a spark, with veteran Andy Dalton, also known as “Big Red,” taking over at quarterback. While there was a brief burst of life, it lasted only about 60 minutes before the offense went dormant once again. The situation was made worse by what was statistically the worst defense in the NFL across multiple metrics.
However, things started to change around Week 8. Bryce Young returned to the lineup, and his play began to reflect the infectious energy he brings off the field. Over the final 10 games of the season, he threw for 2,104 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions, while leading the team to four wins during that stretch. It was a significant step forward and offered a glimpse of what he could become.
Is there hope? Maybe. Are they still a bad team? Absolutely.
Key Additions
DT Tershawn Wharton
NT Bobby Brown III
S Tre’Von Moehrig
WR Tetairoa McMillan (R)
DL/Edge Nic Scourton (R)
Edge Princley Umanmielen (R)
Key Losses
RB Miles Sanders
Edge Jadeveon Clowney
LB Shaq Thompson
S Jordan Fuller
Core Players
QB Bryce Young
WR Tetairoa McMillan
RB Chuba Hubbard
OT Ikem Ekwonu
OG Damien Lewis
OG Robert Hunt
DL Derrick Brown
CB Jaycee horn
Season Preview
Offense: The Panthers are heading into this next season riding the momentum of what Bryce Young was able to orchestrate during the back end of last year. His late-season surge has Panthers fans dreaming that they may finally have their first true franchise quarterback since Cam Newton. For Bryce, the key heading into 2025 will be staying decisive and maintaining poise and durability in the pocket.
The front office gave him a shiny new weapon this offseason with the addition of Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona. McMillan is one of the biggest and most skilled wide receivers to come out of college in recent years. While there are some concerns about his lateral separation, he brings real value on contested catches and can use his size effectively in the slot. Outside of McMillan, the Panthers have last year’s first-round pick Xavier Legette, a height-weight-speed prospect who has yet to fully hit his stride, and fifth-year running back Chuba Hubbard, who has now earned recognition as a legitimate RB1 around the league.
Beyond those names, the weapons are limited, but there is real optimism around the offensive line. If they continue to build on last season’s performance, this group has the potential to finish as a top-10 unit. That would be a major boost for the Panthers and their young quarterback, who will need all the protection he can get to take the next step.
Defense: This defense has undergone a few tweaks following a historically bad season in 2024, where they allowed over 3,000 rushing yards and gave up the most points ever by a single team in NFL history. While the changes aren’t massive, they were certainly necessary. The team added run-stopper Bobby Brown III and Tershawn Wharton, who is coming off a Super Bowl appearance with the Chiefs. They also took two high-upside swings in the draft by selecting Scourton and Umanmielen, both of whom bring strong athletic profiles and the potential to develop into key contributors along the defensive line.
Although these additions are far from headline-grabbing, they should be welcomed by star defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who returns after missing most of last season. They will also help Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn, who remained a bright spot for the franchise despite the poor play around him in 2024.
I don’t think this will be even a league-average unit by the end of the season, but truthfully, it can’t get much worse than it was last year. If I were a Panthers fan, I would be hoping for this defense to at least become a top-22 unit in the league as a sign of real progress. That would show some legitimate growth. That said, I still have serious doubts about whether they can make that kind of leap.
Best Future Bet: Chuba Hubbard 1000+ Rushing Yards @ $2.20
Even with Bryce Young’s strong finish to last season, I believe the key for the Panthers will be establishing the run behind their solid offensive line. With his recent contract extension, Chuba Hubbard is expected to remain the featured back and could very well match or come close to his totals from last year.
Status: Rebuilding
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last Season Summary
The Bucs are, and have been, the most functional franchise in this division ever since Tom Brady took a chance and ended up winning a Super Bowl in his first season in Florida. Since then, Tampa Bay has remained a more than respectable organization in how it has been run, and 2024 was a continuation of that success. Todd Bowles, Liam Coen, and Baker Mayfield led the team to a 10-7 season, winning the division and putting up a serious fight against the Washington Commanders, who were something of a buzzsaw heading into the postseason.
For Tampa, the key to their success was the efficiency and potency of their offense throughout the season. Coen was able to make the most of the tools that once made Baker Mayfield the number one overall pick back in 2018. While the defense remained the team’s weakest link and created some issues they ultimately could not overcome, the Bucs still put together a strong 2024 campaign.
Key Additions
Edge Haason Reddick
MLB Anthony Walker Jr.
P Riley Dixon
WR Emeka Egbuka (R)
CB Benjamin Morrison (R)
CB Jacob Parrish (R)
Key Losses
Edge Shaq Barrett
S Jordan Whitehead
OC Liam Coen (Coach)
Core Players
QB Baker Mayfield
WR Tetairoa McMillan
WR Chris Godwin
RB Bucky Irving
OT Tristan Wirfs
C Graham Barton
Edge Yaya Diaby
Edge Haason Reddick
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
Season Preview
Offense: On offense, it is business as usual for Baker Mayfield and his unit as they enter the 2025 NFL season, coming off a top-eight finish in offensive production. The key addition this offseason is not a new player, but rather cohesion, as every single starter from their 2024 campaign is set to return. The biggest absence, and it is a significant one, is the loss of brilliant offensive coordinator Liam Coen. After guiding Mayfield to a career year, Coen has moved on to become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Fortunately for Mayfield, the team promoted from within, naming Josh Grizzard as the new offensive coordinator. He will inherit a full group of skill position players. The dangerous wide receiver duo of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will once again headline the passing game, while first-round pick Emeka Egbuka, considered one of the smartest and most reliable pass catchers in the 2025 NFL Draft, adds a young spark to the offense.
Another spark comes from Bucky Irving, a standout from Oregon who was selected on day three of last year’s draft. He enters the season as the Bucs’ lead running back. Despite his smaller frame, Irving has proven to be one of the most elusive backs in the NFL and has shown he can handle a heavy workload.
The foundation of the offense is built on the strength of the offensive line. Heading into 2025, Tampa Bay projects to have a top-six unit, led by elite left tackle Tristan Wirfs, widely regarded as the best pass protector in football. The continued development of their young interior, including athletic freak Graham Barton, should only improve their ability to run the ball consistently and effectively.
The main question for this group will be whether they can continue to thrive without Liam Coen and whether Baker Mayfield can reach similar heights in 2025.
Defense: What the Bucs can flex on offense, they have yet to replicate on the defensive side of the ball based on recent performances. Middle-of-the-road sack totals and run-stopping numbers have been the Achilles’ heel preventing this team from taking the next step into true contention. While they still have one of the best gap disruptors in the NFL in Vita Vea, the rest of the interior defensive line has been inconsistent at best.
On the edge, they have managed to generate some pressure thanks to the rise of Yaya Diaby, but his next step will be learning how to finish plays and turn pressures into game-changing moments. During the offseason, the team brought in veteran pass rusher Haason Reddick to line up opposite Diaby. Reddick has bounced around the league but has generally remained productive due to his elite athleticism. The Bucs will be hoping that this duo can start to consistently get to opposing quarterbacks this season, because if the pass rush stalls again, it could create major issues.
In the secondary, they have the ever-reliable Antoine Winfield Jr., who has been a leader on the defense since his rookie season. Outside of him, though, the talent on the back end has been limited. When you combine that with an inconsistent pass rush, the result is often a vulnerable defense. To address this, the Bucs turned to the NFL Draft, taking a calculated risk on Benjamin Morrison from Notre Dame. Once considered a top-20 prospect, Morrison slipped into the second round due to injury concerns. If he and fellow rookie Jacob Parish can adapt quickly to the NFL, the secondary could take a significant step forward.
Overall, this unit will need several things to go right. The team did not make any major splash moves on defense for 2025, but there are reasons to believe modest improvement is possible. If everything clicks, they could become an above-average group, which is likely the best-case scenario fans should hope for heading into the season.
Best Future Bet: Tampa Bay Buccaneers To Win NFC South @ $2.00
This has become a bit of a formality in recent seasons, and I see no reason why that would change this year, especially with the Bucs playing in arguably the weakest division in football. Their biggest threat is likely the Falcons, who still need a lot to go right just to finish around .500. Barring any major injuries or setbacks, adding the Bucs to a division champions multi seems like a reasonable play.