NFC SOUTH 3 | nflex

THE BRUISER

New Orleans Running Back Mark Ingram has imposed his will on defenses this year.

THE "D" IS BACK

The return of Linebacker Luke Kuechly has the Panthers defense winning again.

GROWING PAINS

Tampa Quarterback Jameis Winston still is struggling with maturity issues on and off the field.

THE BRUISER

New Orleans Running Back Mark Ingram has imposed his will on defenses this year.

1/4

DOWN TO THE WIRE

Even though the Saints are on an eight game winning streak, the Panthers and Falcons are right behind them in the NFC South. Tampa Bay also still has a fighters chance at 4-6. All of these teams will face each other in the next month, which will ultimately determine who takes the division crown.

NFL Expert Analyst

Lance Goodman

2ND HALF PREVIEW

ATLANTA FALCONS

After some early season struggles on defense and confusion on offense, New Orleans has managed to string together a six game winning streak using an aggressive defense that is flying around the field and an offense that is finding great balance on the ground in through the air.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Carolina is a pretty interesting team. Their offense certainly doesn't overwhelm you with the style points, with a lackluster running game and Quarterback in Cam Newton who continues to be inconsistent throwing the football. With that in mind, the strength of the team is the defense, where the Panthers are dominant in the trenches, excellent at Linebacker and improved from a season ago in the secondary. It may not be pretty but Carolina is winning games

CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Falcons haven't been able to match their winning ways from a season ago, with the biggest change being on offense where Atlanta dominated last season. The defense has held it's own and is playing well enough to keep Atlanta in games but offensive miscues that include turnovers and missed opportunities have the Falcons sitting at .500 right now.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Anything is possible but the Bucs season appears to be all but over as they begin the 2nd half at 2-6 and play their next game against the Jets without Quarterback Jameis Winston and Wide Receiver Mike Evans. The problems in Tampa remain the same with an average offensive line, inconsistent Quarterback play, no running game and lethargic defense that struggles to generate a pass rush and defend the pass.

NFLEXPORTER.COM