282: 2026 NFC South Standings Predictions

On this special edition of The Underdog NFL Show, Chris Horwedel continues his 2026 NFL division preview series with a full breakdown of the NFC South. After previously covering the NFC East and NFC North, Chris turns to one of football’s most unpredictable divisions, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons all enter the season with real questions and possible paths to the top.

The episode looks at every NFC South team’s offseason moves, free-agent additions, trades, draft class, roster strengths, quarterback situation, division odds, Super Bowl odds, NFC Championship odds, finishing-position markets, and exact-order betting options from oddsmakers.

Chris begins with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who enter as the division favorite despite losing franchise icon Mike Evans to San Francisco. He breaks down Baker Mayfield’s stability, the additions of Kenneth Gainwell and Cade Otton, Tampa Bay’s defensive reinforcements, and a defense-heavy draft led by Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.

Next, the defending division champion Carolina Panthers get the spotlight. Chris discusses Bryce Young’s development, the importance of improved pass protection, major defensive additions Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd, the Panthers’ investment in the offensive line with Monroe Freeling, and why Carolina may be more dangerous than the market suggests.

The New Orleans Saints section focuses on Tyler Shough, Chris Olave, Travis Etienne, Jordyn Tyson, Noah Fant, Tyree Wilson, Cam Jordan’s final season, and whether New Orleans added enough offensive firepower to climb back into contention.

Finally, Chris examines the Atlanta Falcons, including the unusual Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa quarterback setup, Drake London’s massive extension, Kyle Pitts’ uncertain future, Atlanta’s pass rush, Avieon Terrell, Zachariah Branch, Harold Perkins Jr., and the team’s wide range of possible outcomes.

Chris closes with his NFC South prediction: Tampa Bay first, Carolina second, New Orleans third, and Atlanta fourth, while highlighting Tampa-Carolina as his favorite order-based betting angle.