The 2025-26 NFL season promises another compelling year in the NFC South, a division known for its unpredictability and rebuilding franchises. Online NFL sportsbooks list the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the clear division favorites, with the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints all facing significant questions as they chase the reigning champs.
Here’s a comprehensive preview of each team’s outlook and betting prospects in the NFC South for the upcoming season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sights Set on a Five-Peat
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are favored to win the NFC South for an unprecedented fifth straight year, with odds near +100. They finished last season with a solid 10-7 record and boast one of the most formidable offenses in the NFL. Led by quarterback Baker Mayfield and a well-balanced roster, the Bucs are the only NFC South squad projected to make the playoffs.
Key additions in the offseason have reinforced their position atop the division, keeping expectations high.
Atlanta Falcons: The Risks and Rewards of Youth
Atlanta is seen as the clear second option by sportsbooks, with odds around +240. The Falcons finished with an 8-9 record last year, landing in second place in the division. The focus will be on young quarterback Michael Penix Jr., whose performance is under scrutiny after replacing Kirk Cousins.
The Falcons have made additions to the defense, drafting two edge rushers in hopes of fixing a previously weak pass rush. Their backfield remains one of the best in football, which should help maintain offensive consistency. If Penix thrives, Atlanta could push for a wildcard berth, but playoff contention will depend heavily on his development and the pass rush showing marked improvement.
We’re betting on the Falcons to miss the postseason in 2025-26.
Carolina Panthers: Hope for a Bounce Back
The Panthers hold divisional odds close to +400 and are predicted to finish third. After a disappointing 5-12 campaign, the team is looking to shock some pundits with a potential run above .500. Carolina has invested in young talent and will lean on their rookie class to elevate both sides of the ball, but they are still a year or two away from contending for the division title.
An improved defense and growth from their young quarterback will be key factors to watch. With a more competitive roster, the Panthers might exceed expectations but are unlikely to challenge for the division title just yet.
New Orleans Saints: Lock for the Cellar
The Saints are distant underdogs at +1000 and widely viewed as near certain to finish last in the division. They ended last season tied with Carolina at 5-12 but enter 2025-26 with a depleted roster and little optimism for a turnaround.
With little improvement in the offseason and lingering roster issues, the Saints find themselves as one of the longest shots to make the postseason in the entire NFL. Fans will look for incremental progress from younger players, but another rebuilding year is expected.
Betting Projections
The NFC South division looks set for a familiar result: Tampa Bay winning the title yet again. The Buccaneers, with their offensive firepower and defensive reliability, are clear favorites, while the Falcons are expected to finish close behind. Carolina remains an outside contender, and New Orleans is predicted to occupy the bottom spot.
Should Mayfield miss significant time or Atlanta’s rookies exceed expectations, the division could become more competitive. Otherwise, a fifth consecutive NFC South crown is likely headed to Tampa.
