NFC South

Welcome to the most interesting division in football. If it’s not dog fighting, then its quarterback’s spleens exploding during games (ask Chris Simms about that one). Trust me; you can’t make this stuff up. I’ll sum up this division in eight words “Jon Gruden has the worst job in football (I’m even counting the Temple job).” That being said, let’s get to the picks: 

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Before Jon Gruden went to bed last night; I can imagine this was his last thought, “Hmmm, I wonder if the Colts will trade me Peyton Manning if I promise them all of our first round picks for the next 37 years?” Since Mr. Manning is most certainly not in Tampa’s future, Gruden is stuck with the unenviable task of choosing between Jeff Garcia, Chris Simms and Bruce Gradkowski. I say go with Simms because Garcia is better when he plays with a chip on his shoulder and wins the starting job 8 weeks into the season.

Best Case Scenario-7-9 This only happens if Jake Plummer comes out of retirement.  Worst Case Scenatio-3-13 What can I say, they play the Lions, Redskins and Texans.

3. Atlanta Falcons- With Michael Vick’s career all but over, the Falcons decided to bring in a more mobile quarterback to take his position, the incomparable Joey Harrington. Well, he’s incomparable if a 23-43 career record is considered incomparable. But Falcon’s fans, don’t despair, if Harrington can’t cut it, there’s still hope in backup QB’s Casey Bramlet and Chris Redman. Seriously, they just need to find someone who can throw the ball within 6 feet of Alge Crumpler.

Best Case Scenario-8-8 If Harrington harnesses his days back in Oregon.  Worst Case Scenario-4-12 Vick goes to prison for life and the franchise folds.

2. Carolina Panthers- After sub-par seasons 2 of the last 3 years, Jake Delhomme is on the hot seat. But honestly, he probably won’t feel any pressure since David Carr is his back up. All Delhomme has to do is watch film of the Houston Texans over the last few seasons and he’ll realize that Carr hit his prime when he was 19 and playing quarterback at Fresno State. On a side note, look for 4th round draft pick Ryne Robinson (Miami OH) to return 2 punts for touchdowns this year.

Best Case Scenario-10-6 Delhomme throws it to Steve Smith on every play.  Worst Case Scenario-6-10 Delhomme gets hurt in week 10 forcing the Panthers to forfeit the rest of their games rather then play David Carr.

1. New Orleans Saints- Is there any doubt about this division. Drew Brees is unstoppable; Reggie Bush is an experimental crossbreed of Walter Payton and Barry Sanders gone horribly right. Marques Colston plays football like the fate of the planet rides on it. However, there was a certain Bengals game last season where Brees put up over 500 passing yards and the Saints still managed to lose and that takes skill. So the Saints aren’t invincible. But they’re in the NFC, so they don’t have to be.

Best Case Scenario-13-3 Make it to the Super Bowl, Hurricane Katrina victims get free tickets.  Worst Case Scenario-8-8 Bush, Colston and Brees all go down in the same game, the 1st one.

Growlzone.com The Best Bengals Web Site!