CBS Sports predicts final standings for NFC South

Will Brinson of CBS Sports recently took a stab at predicting the final standings for each NFL division in 2023, including the wide open NFC South.

The division, comprised of the two-time reigning champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons, is arguably the toughest division to forecast given what occurred in 2022. None of the aforementioned teams finished above .500, leading to the 8-9 Buccaneers claiming the top spot and earning a playoff spot. While it would surprise nobody if an identical outcome occurred this season, Brinson has one team standing out above the rest.

The Falcons, who last won the NFC South in 2016, are Brinson’s pick to stand atop the division in 2023 with a 10-7 record.

“Another division that’s just wide open,” Brinson wrote. “The Falcons are MY TEAM this year, for better or for worse it seems. I love what they did this offseason, turning a very questionable roster into a Titans-lite type of team that can be physical in the run game and efficient from a passing standpoint.”

Falcons make multiple additions to offense, defense for 2023

Atlanta, which last finished with double-digit victories in 2017, added some notable names to both its offense and defense this offseason, looking to improve upon its 7-10 mark this past season.

The Falcons immediately got to work with improving their 27th ranked defense, signing prized safety Jessie Bates III to a four-year deal in March. Atlanta followed up the signing of Bates with the acquisitions of veteran defensive linemen David Onyemata and Calais Campbell. The following month, the Falcons acquired 2020 third overall pick Jeff Okudah from the Detroit Lions and signed former Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher Bud Dupree to a one-year deal.

During the 2023 NFL Draft, Atlanta spent its eighth overall selection on the best offensive skill position player in running back Bijan Robinson out of Texas.

Falcons need second-year jump from Desmond Ridder to conquer NFC South in 2023

It goes without saying, however, that if Atlanta is to take the next step in 2023, second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder will have to have a breakout campaign. The 2022 third-round selection (74th overall) out of Cincinnati made four starts in 2022, going 2-2. He threw for 708 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions on 63.5% passing.

Full NFC South predictions from CBS Sports:

• Atlanta Falcons (10-7)
• Carolina Panthers (8-9)
• New Orleans Saints (7-10)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-12)

“The Panthers I initially had higher and would not be surprised to see win 10 games if Bryce Young clicks early on. Carolina is also one of my favorite sleepers in the NFC,” Brinson wrote. “I’m not as high on the Saints as a lot of folks — Derek Carr is an upgrade but he’s not a guy to take them over the top and the coaching staff still gives me some pause. Tampa Bay can prove me wrong but it’s still dealing with the fallout from winning a Super Bowl with Tom Brady and going all-in on trying to chase a second one in 2021/2022. Bruce Arians’ departure is still being felt.”