2020 NFC South Preview - NFL Odds, Picks & Betting Predictions

Although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed veteran free agent quarterback Tom Brady and enticed Brady's favorite target Rob Gronkowski out of retirement, oddsmakers believe the New Orleans Saints led by veteran signal-caller Drew Brees will win the NFC South in 2020. Sportsbooks across the internet and in Vegas have New Orleans as the +110 favorites, while Tampa Bay has the second best odds at +140 followed by the Atlanta Falcons at +700 and Carolina Panthers at +1400.

Drew Brees returns at quarterback for the New Orleans Saints for what could be his last season in the NFL. The Saints under the tutelage of head coach Sean Payton have put together a prolific offense that includes Brees. running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Michael Thomas as the top three skills position players. Although most consider the Saints to win with their offense, the defense has improved in each of the past two seasons and will be difficult to score on in 2020. New Orleans won the NFC South in 2019 with a 13-3 record overall.

Tampa Bay will have a new-look with Tom Brady under center after playing 20 seasons with the New England Patriots. The Bucs were 7-9 in 2019 but scored 458 points thanks in a big way to departed quarterback Jameis Winston and oddsmakers believe Brady & Company will put up even more points with weapons such as Ronald Jones II at running back and receivers Gronkowski, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The defense will continue to be an aggressive group under coordinator Todd Bowles, as Ndamukong Suh is back on the line playing alongside Vita Vea giving the Bucs a strong front four against the rush and pass,

The Atlanta Falcons were second in the NFC South last season with an overall record of 7-9 but finished six games behind the Saints. Head coach Dan Quinn was able to keep his job following a solid turn around late in the 2019 season. The Falcons will once again have star quarterback Matt Ryan under center and wideout Julio Jones as his favorite target, while the Falcons brought in running back Todd Gurley who could be the missing piece in the puzzle if his knees hold up.  Although Quinn is considered a defensive specialist, the Falcons defense has allowed too many points (399 in 2019) and must improve or face another disappointing season.

The Carolina Panthers were just 5-11 in 2019 and finished in last place in the NFC South. The Panthers have one of the best all-around offensive players in the game in running back Christian McCaffrey but he is about the only top skills position player on the roster. Ron Rivera is no longer the head coach and quarterback Cam Newton has left while one of the best linebackers ever to play the game Luke Kuechly has retired. Teddy Bridgewater will start the season at quarterback for the Panthers but expect little on the offensive side and with a poor run defense the offense will see very little time on the field.