NFC South Division Winner….No clue.
Atlanta Falcons
Tevin Coleman leads all rookies in rushing yards. (NFL)
My thinking… Toddy Gurley isn’t 100%, will not get a full workload in 2015; Melvin Gordon will be a two-down back and lose touches to Danny Woodhead and Branden Oliver; Coleman has been named the starter for the Falcons; Devonta Freeman isn’t healthy and despite a solid floor lacks Coleman’s ceiling; Coleman is an excellent fit in Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking rushing attack; Coleman can pass protect; and despite his boom-or-bust rushing style his home run ability will account for a fair share of 20+ rushing gains on the turf in the Georgia Dome.
Roddy White’s 2015 season will resemble an injury shortened 2013 campaign (63/711/3) rather than a bounce back effort in 2014 (80/921/7).
My thinking… White will be questionable come game time more often than not; new offensive system that will further showcase Julio Jones; he ain’t getting younger (34 in November); and Leonard Hankerson, Justin Hardy and Jacob Tamme will siphon a decent amount of targets.
New Orleans Saints
Brandin Cooks eclipses 100 receptions. (easy)
My thinking… fewer mouths to feed; Cooks caught 76% of his 7 targets per game in 2014; targets to increase; second season in Sean Payton’s offense; and a healthier Drew Brees.
Mark Ingram leads all NFC South running backs in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
My thinking… fewer mouths to feed; C.J. Spiller is hurt; improved offense line; expected increase in carries (226 in 2014); and as evidenced in 2014 the game has slowed down for him.
Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton’s numbers go down across the board….again.
My thinking… Kelvin Benjamin is hurt; Carolina’s o-line is a huge question mark; no substantial increase in supporting cast talent; and Newton’s pass completions, attempts, yards, rushing attempts, yards and rushing TDs have decreased each season following his rookie year.
Charles Tillman plays 16 games.
My thinking… more of a “hope” than a prediction. (One of the most exciting defensive players in the NFL when healthy)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jameis Winston throws more interceptions than touchdowns.
My thinking… offensive line is porous; it’s not uncommon among rookie quarterbacks (turnovers); he’s a gunslinger; his playmaking ability and competitiveness gets him into trouble; and this isn’t the ACC.
Vincent Jackson leads the Bucs in receptions and touchdowns.
My thinking… Mike Evans is banged up; Evans and Winston haven’t had the opportunity to develop much chemistry; Winston won’t have the protection to find Evans deep on vertical routes; and Jackson is the possession guy.
