NFL Predictions 2018: Who will finish in the basement, NFC Edition

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 31: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys takes a knee before playing against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after fumbling during the final minute of their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

NFC South

Basement Dwellers: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The NFC South has been one of the toughest divisions to predict. At least at the top. The not so difficult thing to predict has been the Bucs being in the basement or very close. They are far and away the worst team in this gauntlet of a division. Having their starting quarterback suspended won’t help anything. Nor will what appears to be a lack of top-shelf talent anywhere on the field with a few exceptions.

Mike Evans is a supreme talent, but has underachieved to this point whether it be his fault or not. He has the talent to be spoken about with the DeAndre Hopkins and Julio Jones’ of the world. There is also some scattered talent on the defense. I really like their linebackers and think Justin Evans can make a splash this year, but that defense was among the worst in the league last year and didn’t do enough to get that much better.

This team won five games last season and I don’t see how they improve on that number. I think this team is settled in with four or five wins and that is their ceiling and floor. Six wins would be a really good season for them at this point. After this season, they will be evaluating their team. This was just recently a team on the rise and now it looks like a team going nowhere in a division with three legitimate contenders.

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