NFL
The NFC South in 2025 had a division winner below .500 with a record of 8-9 for a division champion. This year, the South has no clear-cut favorite going into 2026, with 3 potential division winners for this division. 2026 might see the NFC South division champion have between 10-12 wins after an 8-9 division champion last season. This division will most likely come down to Week 18 for the division title and a home playoff game in January. Here’s how the NFC South standings will look with no favorite and all 4 teams potentially winning the South.
New Orleans Saints:
One NFL team that could go from worst to first in this division in 2026 is the New Orleans Saints. After starting the season 2-10, the Saints rallied by winning 4 of their last 5 games to finish 2025 strong.
The New Orleans Saints’ schedule, along with a wide-open NFC South, trends upward for the New Orleans Saints’ 2026 season. Along with 2nd-year quarterback Tyler Shough and 2nd-year head coach Kellen Moore, the Saints will move in the right direction.
In the offseason, New Orleans was able to add WR Jordyn Tyson & RB Travis Etienne to its offensive power. And, with a full season of Tyler Shough at quarterback, the Saints could go from the outhouse to the penthouse.
With the schedule looking favorable in 2026, the Saints could make a big-time jump from 2025 to 2026.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
After a down year in 2025, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be looking to regain the NFC South Crown. And with some question marks surrounding Baker Mayfield about a contract extension, this team will be in contention.
In the offseason, Tampa Bay let Mike Evans walk after 12 years with the team, which will hurt this offense. But they do still have veteran Chris Godwin and 2nd-year wideout Emeka Egbuka, who had a strong rookie season. Also, have a very underrated running back in Bucky Irving, who is looking for a bounce-back season.
The defense, which I believe got stronger in the draft by selecting EDGE rusher Rueben Bain Jr from Miami. But there are some question marks surrounding the linebacking core after the departure of Lavonte David, who retired.
After its troubling ending to their 2025 season, the Buccaneers will look to once again become kings of the South.
Carolina Panthers:
The most surprising division winner in all of the NFL in 2025 belonged to the Carolina Panthers despite an 8-9 record. But with a tough schedule and a much-improved NFC South, it will be tough for Carolina to repeat.
This season will depend on the continuing development of quarterback Bryce Young and 3rd year head coach Dave Canales. Also, 2026 will be the season to see if Bryce Young will earn that contract extension next offseason. And, if Bryce Young can prove that the 2025 season wasn’t a fluke, then his future will be answered.
Another thing that Carolina did in the offseason was improve the defense by signing both Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips. As well as having CB Jaycee Horn and DE Derrick Brown, this defense could surprise people in 2026.
The Carolina Panthers will have a big test in 2026 because of the schedule they have, with a top-10 tough schedule. If Bryce Young can repeat his success in 2026, then it will be a success in my eyes.
Atlanta Falcons:
The Atlanta Falcons are heading into 2026 with a new coach in Kevin Stefanski as well as a new general manager. And people think that with a new regime, the Falcons will struggle going into 2026.
The biggest question mark going into training camp will be the quarterback battle between Michael Penix Jr and Tua Tagovailoa. The winner of that battle gets their chance to see if they’re the answer at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons beyond 2026.
You also add in Bijan Robinson, who is a top-5 running back in the NFL who will be getting yards. As well, both Drake London and Kyle Pitts will be getting shared catches, regardless of who the quarterback is. So, the offense will put up yards and keep them in the game.
The 2026 Atlanta Falcons season looks like a team that could finish in any position in the NFC South. Especially when the division is as wide open as this one is. 2026 on paper might look like a down year for Atlanta, but 2027 will paint a much better picture.
Overall Thoughts:
The NFC South is the division in the NFL where all 4 teams can win the division in 2026. And the factor that will determine the division in 2026 will be the quarterback play.
