NFL Picks 2022: Predicting every division ahead of the 2022 season

NFC South NFL Picks for the 2022 Season

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tom Brady is still Tom Brady, no matter if he’s got to retire for a little bit or take some personal time during training camp. The Bucs are going to be a force once again in the NFL in 2022. Bruce Arians is not the team’s head coach anymore but as long as Brady is around, the offense will be humming. Todd Bowles will coach another loaded defense and the Bucs will be favorites for many people to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

2. Carolina Panthers

I’m drinking the juice, I’m buying the stock — however you want to say it, I’m buying this Carolina Panthers team. The Panthers made the big trade for Baker Mayfield and with that move, I think the franchise’s fortunes could turn around completely. Maybe I’m jaded with Mayfield, but I think when he’s healthy he can be an impact player, even if he’s a little erratic. I love the supporting cast and pieces the Panthers have at the skill spots as well.

3. New Orleans Saints

Can the New Orleans Saints survive in the post-Sean Payton era? Last year it was the loss of Drew Brees. This year, it’s Payton. I’m just not sure. The health of Michael Thomas, at least to start the season, is still a question mark. Jameis Winston is coming off the ACL. The Saints just traded Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. I’m selling Saints stock leading up to the start of this season.

4. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons should be one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2022 but with a shot at some upside. We’ll see what happens with the reclamation project that is former first-round pick Marcus Mariota. Defensively, the Falcons have one of the game’s best corners in AJ Terrell but they have a lot of work to do in rebuilding that side of the ball. I just think the Falcons are still a work in progress with a couple of fun pieces on either side of the ball, and even before the season starts there’s one eye on the 2023 NFL Draft.