NFC South

1.) Carolina Panthers: Projected Record: 11-5 - Playoff Bound.

The Carolina Panthers are simply one of the NFL's best teams. Armed with a potent offense and an aggressive defense, the Panthers are simply overpowering teams. Do not be fooled by the NFC South, either. Predicted to be one of the worst divisions in the NFL by many, it has quickly risen to become, what is in my opinion, the top division in the entire league. 

2.) Atlanta Falcons: Projected Record: 10-6 - Playoff Bound.

The Atlanta Falcons are not only a very good team, but also a great story. Led by a new head coach, Mike Smith, a rookie QB, Matt Ryan, and a new RB, Michael Turner, the Falcons have quickly reached the 6-3 mark. If you still haven't seen many of their games this season, take a look at their games against Chicago, Greenbay, and Oakland. While Oakland is a horrific team this season, it is an accomplishment to pitch a shutout to anyone.

3.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Projected Record: 9-7

The Bucs, even though I have them missing out of the playoffs, are one of the best teams in the NFC, unfortunately for them, they are a member of the NFC South. Jeff Garcia has quietly put together a very solid season, and their defense has not been given enough credit in their 6-3 start. While I do have them finishing behind Atlanta, do not be surprised if the Bucs finish 10-6 and the Falcons 9-7, this one is simply very hard to call.

4.) New Orleans Saints: Projected Record: 8-8

How many divisions can make the claim that their last place team finished .500? How many divisional last-place teams can claim that they host the front-runner for the MVP award? The tough NFC South may not have a marquee team such as the Titans, but it's rank among divisions comes from the fact that it simply does not have a weak team. While the Saints defense is below-average, they possess one of the most potent offenses in the NFL led by QB, and MVP front-runner Drew Brees. Despite this, they end up last in the NFC South in my predictions.