Are the Panthers for real? Way-too-early NFC South 2026 predictions

Look out: the NFC South, which has been dormant for a few seasons aside from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, looks as if it’s coming to life.

We are four months away from the NFL campaign starting with the regular season, but what’s fun in waiting?

Here are my way-too-early predictions on the often overlooked NFC South.

More news: Are the Dallas Cowboys Back on Top? Way-Too-Early NFC East 2026 Predictions

More news: Is CJ Stroud Holding Houston Back? Way-Too-Early AFC South 2026 Predictions

I love what Dave Canales is doing down in Carolina with the Panthers. They are building a true identity with the NFL’s biggest, tallest receiving room. Carolina continued that trend at the recent draft, picking up 6-foot-5 Chris Brazzell II in the second round to surround him with the rest of the trees on the team.

Bryce Young is still trying to prove he’s a true franchise quarterback, but after almost beating the Los Angeles Rams in the postseason, this is the closest he’s felt to becoming “the guy” in Carolina since the day he was drafted No. 1 overall.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While the Buccaneers have a better roster than the Panthers and probably have the better overall QB in Baker Mayfield, it just feels as if there is a dark cloud hanging over the usually sunny Tampa Bay.

Whereas Canales is building something with the Panthers, Todd Bowles seems to be deconstructing what the Buccaneers have built over the past half-decade. Don’t be surprised that if Tampa Bay gets off to a slow start, Bowles is the first coach fired in the NFL this season.

The Saints feel like what the Panthers were in 2025. They aren’t entirely sure if Tyler Shough is the person the franchise should build around for the next decade, but there is optimism surrounding the organization. With the addition of Jordyn Tyson at wideout, we might see some of those track meets in the dome we’d become accustomed to when Drew Brees was slinging the ball for the Saints.

The Falcons are neither a good nor a bad team. Right now, Atlanta hangs in some sort of weird purgatory, where it wouldn’t be surprising if they won the NFC South and also wouldn’t be surprising if they’re picking No. 1 in next year’s draft.