NFC South: New Orleans Saints
Outlook: It looked like 2018 was the year for the Saints. One blown pass interference call later, and the Saints round themselves suddenly sitting back on their couches like the year prior. Don’t be mistaken, 2019 could be the year where New Orleans doesn’t have to watch any other teams play in the Super Bowl.
Offense: Any offense with a future Hall of Famer at quarterback is already a postseason contender. Luckily, Drew Brees isn’t the only top asset on the New Orleans offense. The line protecting Brees ranks among the NFL’s best, which is why four out of the five linemen got a Pro Bowl bid.
Superstar running back Alvin Kamara also benefits greatly from the stellar blocking, though he’s talented enough to create plays on his own. Without his partner-in-crime Mark Ingram (who split duties with him for Kamara’s entire career), Kamara will be ready to become the team’s true number one back. The addition of Latavius Murray is a good addition but he shouldn’t steal too many of Kamara’s touches.
Wide receiver Michael Thomas is one of the best in football and he has a solid counterpart in speedy wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. This is a top-five offense.
Defense: While all the praise might go to Brees and the offense, the defense should not be overlooked. With star defensive end Cameron Jordan manning the defensive line, it’s no wonder the Saints allowed the second-fewest rushing yards last season.
Youngsters Sheldon Rankins and Marcus Davenport will also be impact players as they return to a team that had the second-most sacks in the NFL. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore headlines a budding young secondary that was tied for ninth in interceptions a season ago.
Competition: The Saints will not have it easy as the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers both have realistic postseason hopes. Injuries have plagued Atlanta’s star players the past few seasons, but they have the pieces on both sides of the ball to make a serious run.
Carolina looks like they could feature one of the league’s best offenses this season. Quarterback Cam Newton has a nice young trio to work with on offense while star linebacker Luke Kuechly holds down the fort on defense. Unfortunately for them, New Orleans could still field the best team in the NFL.