Atlanta Falcons and NFC South Projections for 2024 NFL Season

As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the NFC South is projected to remain the league's weakest division, with the Buccaneers, Panthers, and Saints all expected to win eight or fewer games. Both the Saints and Buccaneers finished the previous season with identical 9-8 records, but these figures were misleading, as most victories came against teams with losing records. The question looms whether the Panthers and newly acquired Kirk Cousins-led Falcons can inject some competitiveness into the division or if it will once again be a two-team race for supremacy. The Buccaneers' revival of quarterback Baker Mayfield was a highlight of the 2023 season, as the team scrambled to fill the void left by Tom Brady's retirement. Despite a promising performance, Tampa Bay's decision to overpay for Mayfield could pose challenges for the franchise moving forward. At 32, Mayfield's experience is valuable, but concerns about long-term viability remain. Meanwhile, the Falcons are banking on Cousins to rectify last season's dismal quarterback situation. The team has bolstered its offensive lineup by adding Rondale Moore and Darnell Mooney to a roster that already features stars like Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson. The Panthers, on the other hand, are committed to supporting quarterback Bryce Young, having signed key offensive linemen and traded for wide receiver Diontae Johnson to enhance their chances. With the Falcons viewed as the most talented team in a struggling division and benefiting from the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL, they appear poised for a potential 10-win season, setting the stage for an intriguing 2024 campaign.