<p>The 25/26 NFL season is here. We’re past the pre-season, past the Tay Tay appearance that broke the internet on ‘New Heights’ and hopefully past most of the contract holdouts and trade demands.</p> <p>We’re looking at every team, every strength, every possible weakness and a way to make money on all 32 NFL squads. This time we take a look at the NFC South and a number of emerging teams plus the New Orleans Saints.</p> <p>For the latest analysis, predictions and betting tips for the NFC South, check out my 2025 NFL NFC South preview and predictions below. You can also follow me <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/feed/profile/view/56/ist_ambassador_deeplink_action">on the feed</a> for plenty of other NFL tips and predictions throughout the season.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Atlanta Falcons Season Preview</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Raheem Morris.</p> <p><strong>Last season</strong>: 8-9.</p> <p>The Falcons signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins to bring some seasoning to a young but emerging offensive group. Problem was, coming off Achilles surgery, Cousins was limited in his already average movement and got worse the longer the season went.</p> <p>So much so, Coach Morris sat him and handed the keys to rookie Michael Penix. The lefty showed glimpses but still has a ways to go before proving to all he is the man they hoped he’d be when they used pick nine on him in the 2024 NFL Draft.</p> <p>Bijan Robinson’s form rose late in the season, to the point Fantasy Football managers have him pegged as a top five performer this season.</p> <p>Drake London is as talented as any young wideout in the game and the Falcons still hold out hope Kyle Pitts will be what he was expected to be coming out of Florida - a game-changing pass-catching tight end.</p> <p>Atlanta began strong but faltered badly when the crunch came. Fans will be hoping Penix is the real deal, the defence keeps playing well under Morris and Bijan is a contender for Offensive Player of the Year.</p> <p>Do all that and the NFC South might be theirs.</p> <p><strong>Projected Record</strong>: 9-8.</p> <p><strong>Best Bet</strong>:<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/american-football/nfl-futures/atlanta-falcons-regular-season-specials-2025-26-9459501"> Bijan Robinson most rush yards.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carolina Panthers Season Preview</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Dave Canales.</p> <p><strong>Last season</strong>: 5-12.</p> <p>Things were looking real bleak when the Panthers benched Bryce Young for Andy Dalton after falling 0-2 to begin. Rightfully, Young returned as starter in week eight and found some real form. He found enough to give fans genuine hope going into this season.</p> <p>The Panthers were 0-7 in Young’s first stint and Dalton’s five games, then a respectable 4-6 when he returned.</p> <p>Three of the Panthers’ highest paid players are offensive lineman, meaning Young should be protected. Something every young QB needs.</p> <p>The NFC South is open for the taking. New Orleans look in a world of pain, the Falcons are relying on an unproven QB and Tampa are far from world-beaters, meaning Bryce and these Panthers might be able to go from worst to first in the second-poorest performing division in football.</p> <p><strong>Projected Record</strong>: 7-11.</p> <p><strong>Best Bet</strong>:<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/american-football/nfl-futures/carolina-panthers-regular-season-specials-2025-26-9459502"> Bryce Young +18.5 passing touchdowns.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>New Orleans Saints Season Preview</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Kellen Moore.</p> <p><strong>Last season</strong>: 5-12.</p> <p>Dennis Allen was fired after beginning 2-7 last season. The weird part was they began 2-0 then slid off the runway.</p> <p>Spencer Rattler was named starting QB, which gives me little hope of a big season. Alvin Kamara remains but he’s beginning to show signs of fatigue. Chris Olave is a real talent at receiver and Brandin Cooks might have something to offer on the deep ball.</p> <p>The NFC South is hardly stacked, with Carolina and the Falcons needing to improve, but it’s hard to imagine these Saints won’t be among the worst teams in football.</p> <p><strong>Projected Record</strong>: 4-13.</p> <p><strong>Best Bet</strong>:<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/american-football/nfl-futures/new-orleans-saints-regular-season-specials-2025-26-9459497"> New Orleans -5.5 regular season wins.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season Preview</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Todd Bowles,</p> <p><strong>Last season</strong>: 10-7,</p> <p>Under Bowles, these Buccaneers have claimed back-to-back NFC South crowns and look set to be among the best in the division again.</p> <p>Baker Mayfield’s growth since arriving in Tampa has been significant. To the point he’s the undisputed franchise QB in town.</p> <p>They went down 23-20 at home in the playoffs to Washington but proved they can compete with anyone.</p> <p>Bucky Irving is potent at RB, and we know what Iron Mike Evans brings to the table. It’s less clear what Chris Godwin has left but the offensive line is solid, and the defence always performs under Bowles’ watch.</p> <p>It’s hard to see them not competing for the NFCS title again.</p> <p><strong>Projected Record</strong>: 9-8</p> <p><strong>Best Bet</strong>:<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/american-football/nfl-futures/tampa-bay-buccaneers-regular-season-specials-2025-26-9459503"> Bucky Irving +7.5 rushing touchdowns in regular season.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NFL NFC South Winner 2025-26 Odds</h2>