The NFC South is the one division in the NFC that’s often overlooked. And, it’s partly due to the division having less success throughout the NFL season along with featuring some really bad teams.

While the other NFC divisions had one team finish with a bad record last season, the NFC South had two teams with abysmal records in the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints. Furthermore, the Atlanta Falcons also finished with a losing record making that three out of the four teams finishing with a losing season.

Only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished with a winning record as they won the South for a fourth consecutive year. The Bucs come into this season as the NFL betting favorites to win the NFC South. In fact, they’re the only team in the division that’s projected to make the Playoffs.

The Falcons, Panthers and Saints are projected to finish with losing records once again. And, in the case of the Saints, they’re pegged as one of the biggest longshots to make the postseason in the entire league. Needless to say, not even the Bucs are in the conversation to make the Super Bowl.

With that said, let’s take a look at the latest NFC South odds, courtesy of the top sports betting sites, and make our 2025-26 NFC South division predictions.

What Teams Are In The NFC South?

The following four NFL teams are in the NFC South:

• Atlanta Falcons: 4 division titles, last won in 2016
• Carolina Panthers: 5 division titles, last won in 2015
• New Orleans Saints: 7 division titles, last won in 2020
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7 division titles, last won in 2024

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NFC South Division

2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 29.0 ppg (4), 393.2 ypg (3), 66.6% RZ TDs (4)
• 2024-25 Defense: 22.7 ppg (17), 342.2 ypg (19), 1.0 TO (20)

Everyone expected the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to falter and end up a losing team after Tom Brady retired. Well, that didn’t happen. In fact, they’re thriving and winning divisions even without Brady at the helm. Instead, they have Baker Mayfield who has been playing the best football of his career.

Mayfield helped to lead this offense to the top of the rankings as they were in the Top 5 for most major categories including points scored (29ppg) and total yards per game (393.2 ypg). They did that with talented WR Chris Godwin missing at least half of the season with an injury.

Godwin is back on a three-year deal. Mike Evans is healthy. And, the Bucs added Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State to a talented group of receives that also includes Jalen McMillan who lit up the final stretch of his rookie season, last year. Tampa discovered they had a gem in running back Bucky Irving who gives this team the balance it needs to be elite.

The problems last year for Tampa was a leaking defense. Although they were solid against the run, this defense gave up too many points at times and cost them victories.

I’m really intrigued to see how DT Hassan Reddick fits in with Tampa Bay. He could give this defense the boost it needs. Plus, second-round pick CB Benjamin Morrison out of Notre Dame could end up starting for this team.

Ultimately, the Bucs should be just as good, if not better than last year’s squad because they have a healthy offense. Mayfield could have a big year that puts him into MVP discussions. This division is Tampa’s to lose.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Win Total

• Over 9.5 (-105)
• Under 9.5 (-115)

The schedule makers loaded the front half of Tampa’s schedule and it’s going to be a tough road. They play Atlanta, Houston, the Jets, Eagles, Seattle, San Francisco and Detroit over their first seven games. I see a 4-3 record; 5-2 at best.

Games against the Saints, Patriots, Bills and Rams could drop this team closer to .500 with six games left. Even if they enter the final six games with a 6-5 record, the Bucs could really make a run at a top NFC seed and the division.

Tampa plays the Cardinals, Saints, Falcons, Dolphins, and Panthers twice to close out the year. I wouldn’t be surprised if they won all six games. Let’s say for argument’s sake, that they go 5-1 or 4-2. That would still put Tampa Bay with at least 10 wins on the year. Take the Over for this prop bet.

Bet: Over 9.5 (-105)

Will The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (-160)
• No (+130)

With the talent that this team added to its roster, along with an elite offense, I do see the Bucs making the Playoffs. In fact, it’s hard for me to imagine this team not winning the division.

Tampa Bay is clearly the best team in the NFC South and should make the postseason by virtue of winning the division.

Bet: Yes (-160)

2025 Atlanta Falcons Season Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 22.9 ppg (14), 369.8 ypg (6), 54.7% RZ TDs (20)
• 2024-25 Defense: 23.9 ppg (23), 345.2 ypg (22), 1.1 TO (16)

The Atlanta Falcons didn’t do much this offseason to the offensive side of the ball. However, I think they will improve on their averages due to the development of Michael Penix Jr. as their starting QB. I believe Penix is a talented QB and should take a solid step towards the Top 15 rankings.

Also, I believe we’ll see this offense click more with Penix at the helm compared to Kirk Cousins. I expect Drake London and Kyle Pitts to both have big years. I also like the Robinson-Allgaier running back duo.

With that said, the concern for Atlanta is their defense that let them down more times than Cousins did. They added some depth to the front seven with Leonard Floyd, Morgan Fox and Divine Deablo. But they also added some fantastic talent in the draft with defensive linemen Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. along with safety Xavier Watts.

Now, I’m not going to bash the Falcons for training back into the first round to get Pearce as they gave up a lot to do so. We can worry about the 2026-27 season, next year.

If we’re just focusing on this upcoming season, I think the Falcons will be a contender in the NFC South and push the Bucs to their limits. Will it be enough to win the division or make the Playoffs?

Atlanta Falcons Win Total

• Over 7.5 (-140)
• Under 7.5 (+110)

Atlanta’s schedule isn’t any easy one, but I have a hard time thinking that they won’t win at least eight games. I have this team finishing above .500 on the season.

I think they split with Carolina and the Bucs, then sweep the Saints. That gives them a 4-2 record. From there, I see the Falcons beating the Colts, Vikings, Jets and Seahawks. That’s eight wins total.

Now, if they can get one win against Washington, Buffalo, San Francisco, Miami, New England, Arizona or the Rams, then they will easily get 9 wins on the season and flirt with 10. Are you telling me they can’t beat Miami or Arizona?

I think this bet is easy money!

Bet: Over 7.5 (-140)

Will The Atlanta Falcons Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (+155)
• No (-190)

As much as I like what this team is doing in Atlanta, I still think they’re a season away from making the Playoffs. The Falcons have a franchise QB in Penix, but they’re still missing a few pieces that will keep them from capturing the division or a Wild Card spot.

If we could bet on teams making the Playoffs in 2026-27, I would say Yes for Atlanta.

Bet: No (-190)

2025 Carolina Panthers Season Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 20.1 ppg (23), 298.0 ypg (29), 62.0% RZ TDs (8)
• 2024-25 Defense: 31.4 ppg (32), 404.5 ypg (32), 1.0 TO (20)

Last year was nothing short of a disaster for the Carolina Panthers. They had an erratic season on offense and featured one of the worst defenses in the history of the NFL. In fact, the Panthers allowed the most points ever in a season.

Furthermore, they were last against the run (179.8 ypg) and 25^th against the pass (224.7 ypg). The Panthers added pieces to this defense in free agency and the draft like Tershawn Wharton, Bobby Brown III, Patrick Jones II, Tre’von Moehrig, and selected pass rusher Nic Scourton from Texas A&M.

Despite the additions, this side of the ball still has a long way to go before Carolina can be considered a good team in the NFC South division.

Offensively, they drafted WR Tetairoa McMillan out of Arizona to be another weapon for Bryce Young who showed progress at the end of last year. They added Rico Dowdle to the backfield behing Chubba Hubbard and they brought back key players along the offensive line.

A sneaky offseason move that could pay dividends is the signing of Hunter Renfrow. The slot WR is showing elite separation and route skills in training camp.

I think Carolina is going to be a better team than they were last year. It’s hard not to improve off a historically bad defensive showing. However, it’s the offense that will lead this team to more wins and restore optimism for the future.

Carolina Panthers Win Total

• Over 6.5 (-140)
• Under 6.5 (+110)

Although I think the Panthers will be a better team, I’m not quite sure that it will translate into more wins. They’re realistically a year or two away from being a winning football team.

I see the Panthers going 3-3 in their division with wins over the Saints and Falcons, but get swept by the Bucs. However, I am having a hard time finding four more victories to get the Over on this Win Total futures bet.

The Panthers will lose to Arizona, Patriots, Dolphins, Cowboys, Bills, Packers, 49ers and Rams. That puts them at 3-11 on the season. The other games where they have a shot at winning are the Jaguars, Jets, and Seahawks. Even if they win all three, that’s still just six victories on the season.

I actually think the Panthers will finish 6-11 at best. So, take the Under on a team that will see better days next year.

Bet: Under 6.5 (+110)

Will The Carolina Panthers Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (+230)
• No (-310)

Like the Falcons, I am seeing the building blocks being put into place for the Carolina Panthers. And, I believe they will improve their record from last year. However, it won’t be enough to make the Playoffs. This team still needs more playmakers on defense and a consistent coaching staff that will continue to develop their young QB.

Although I have them on the outside looking in on the Playoffs, I am a believer in this team for the 2026-27 NFL season.

Bet: No (-310)

2025 New Orleans Saints Season Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 19.9 ppg (24), 320.1 ypg (21), 58.1% RZ TDs (12)
• 2024-25 Defense: 23.4 ppg (18), 379.9 ypg (30), 1.0 TO (20)

The New Orleans Saints would’ve been better off if they just embraced the rebuild and not push off their salary cap issues down the line. They’ve missed the Playoffs four straight years and the Saints are nowhere close to making it this year. At least, not on paper.

This defense was awful last year as they were 28^th against pass (238.5 ypg) and 30^th against run (141.4 ypg). They added some pieces in the middle rounds of the draft, but it will take a few years before they’re really improving this defense. Ultimately, this side of the ball is going to be in trouble. And, that’s more so due to the offense being atrocious this upcoming season.

Last year, the Saints struggled without Carr at QB. Now, that he’s retired, they’re hoping one of their young QBs will step up. Unfortunately, Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, or Tyler Shough will be able to win games this season. Although the Saints added Brandin Cooks to the receiving corps, it’s not enough.

Whatever the front office is doing, they need to stop. Just embrace the full rebuild so that the fans can having something to cheer for in the next five years. Unfortunately, at this rate, they will be the worst team in the NFC for the next five years.

New Orleans Saints Win Total

• Over 5.5 (+130)
• Under 5.5 (-160)

Can the Saints win more than five games? In short, the answer is No!

They will lose all six games in the NFC South as the rest of the division has improved where as the Saints have not. You can also chalk up losses to the Cardinals, 49ers, Bills, Patriots, Bears, Rams, and Dolphins. That’s 13 losses right there.

Realistically, the only teams that the Saints have a shot against are the Seahawks, Giants, Jets and Titans. Even if they win all four of those matchups, they will still finish below 5.5 wins. And, I don’t think they beat the Giants or Seahawks. Don’t be surprised if New Orleans goes 3-14 at best.

Bet: Under 5.5 (-160)

Will The New Orleans Saints Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (+850)
• No (-1600)

Simply put, the New Orleans Saints will be one of the worst teams in the entire league this season. The Saints lack top-tier talent on both sides of the ball to compete in the division. In fact, I don’t even see how this team picks up five wins on the year.

It will take a miracle for New Orleans to even sniff a winning record, let alone find a way into the Playoffs. The Saints are a better bet to get the first overall pick in next year’s draft than anything else.

Bet: No (-1600)

NFC South Division Odds

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+100)
• Atlanta Falcons (+240)
• Carolina Panthers (+400)
• New Orleans Saints (+1000)

I think the Atlanta Falcons are being slept on in the NFC South. They made some solid additions to the roster and have a really dynamic, young QB leading the charge. Not to mention, they have one of the best backfields in the NFL.

I also think that the Panthers will shock some people this season as they make a run at finishing above .500 on the season.

With that said, the Buccaneers are my NFL pick to win the South title for a fifth straight year. Until one of these other teams step up to dethrone the Bucs, you have to take Mayfield and company to repeat as champs. Tampa features one of the most explosive offenses in the league and are poised for a strong season.

Bet: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+100)

NFC South Exact Order Of The Division

The New Orleans Saints are a bigger lock to finish in last place than the Buccaneers are to finish in first place. The Falcons are favored to finish second, while the Panthers are projected to finish third.

I have no problem with these projections. I think they’re spot on. While I do see this division being more competitive, other than the Saints, Tampa Bay is still the cream of the crop in the South. The Falcons should come close to a Wild Card spot, but ultimately fall short. The Panthers will become South contenders in the 2026-27 season.

Bet: Tampa Bay 1st (+100), Atlanta 2nd (+190), Carolina 3rd (+190), New Orleans 4th (-120)

NFC South Division Top 2 Finishing Position

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers & Atlanta Falcons (+150)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers & Carolina Panthers (+200)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers & New Orleans Saints (+425)
• Atlanta Falcons & Carolina Panthers (+850)
• Atlanta Falcons & New Orleans Saints (+1600)
• Carolina Panthers & New Orleans Saints (+2500)

As you can see from above, I believe that the Buccaneers and the Falcons will finish as the top two teams in the NFC South just like we saw last season. However, I do like for Atlanta to have a winning record this year, unlike last year.

While I do see Carolina having a better season than last year, I still think they’re a few pieces away from contending for the second spot, let alone the division. And, you can write the Saints off for at least a year or two as this roster lacks the talent to finish with a winning record.

Bet: Tampa Bay Buccaneers & Atlanta Falcons (+150)

NFC South Season Matchups

Not all NFC South Series Matchups odds are available at the time of this writing.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Series Matchups

The Bucs are going to be the best team in the NFC South. I see the Bucs coming close to sweeping the entire division. The Saints are dreadful and will easily lose both games. I have the Bucs winning both against Carolina. But I wouldn’t be surprised if they split just like the Bucs will with Atlanta.

I’m taking Tampa Bay to go 5-1 in the division, but wouldn’t be surprised if they went 4-2. Keep an eye on the Panthers’ series matchup.

Bet: 2-0 vs. Saints (NA), 2-0 vs. Panthers (-150), 1-1 vs. Falcons (+120)

Atlanta Falcons Series Matchups

I do see a better season coming for the Falcons especially due to the evolution of QB Penix. I think this offense will do big things and win ball games for them. The defense still needs some improvements but they won’t be as much of a liability as they were last year.

I like for the Falcons to go 4-2 in the NFC South as they sweep the Saints, while splitting with both the Bucs and Panthers.

Bet: 1-1 vs. Bucs (+120), 2-0 vs. Saints (-115), 1-1 vs. Panthers (+110)

Carolina Panthers Series Matchups

I only have the Panthers winning six games on the season, but I think they get half of those wins from their division. I like for Carolina to go 3-3 in the South by sweeping the Saints, splitting with Atlanta, and losing both matchups to the Bucs.

Bet: 0-2 vs. Bucs (-150), 2-0 vs. Saints (NA), 1-1 vs. Falcons (+110)

New Orleans Saints Series Matchups

I think the Saints are quite possibly the worst team in the NFL. I don’t see this franchise winning many games next year. In fact, I see the Saints going winless in the NFC South as they get swept by the other teams in the division including the Panthers. The Saints are two or three years away from being a good football team again.

Bet: 0-2 vs. Bucs (NA), 0-2 vs. Falcons (-115), 0-2 vs. Panthers (NA)

NFC South Champions

Check out the most recent NFC South winners: