Atlanta Falcons:
Last season, the Atlanta Falcons went 8-9 with shaky quarterback play and questionable coaching. The coaching situation has been addressed with the firing of Raheem Morris and hiring of Kevin Stefanski, but who will be the starting quarterback in week 1 remains a glaring mystery.
Reasons for optimism:
Two words: Bijan Robinson. There is an argument to be made that he is the best running back in football. His explosiveness out of the backfield paired with his shiftiness in the open field makes him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the game. With an elite wide receiver in Drake London, and a tight end that has shown a very high ceiling in Kyle Pitts, whoever quarterbacks the Falcons next season will be set up to succeed.
Reasons for pessimism:
I already touched on this, but going into an off season without a solidified game plan on who will be leading your offense is a major concern. The 2026 draft is not ripe with quarterbacks, and the Falcons just used a top 10 pick on Michael Penix Jr. two drafts ago. Unless Penix can turn it around this year, if he even gets to start, Falcons fans should be looking forward to what should be a promising 2027 QB draft class.
Draft:
The Falcons don’t have a first-round pick and I don’t watch enough college ball to go beyond the first round nor name drop many names. Just looking at roster needs, I’d project them to invest in the O-line and pass rush early. Their secondary and play makers are strengths so I don’t see early draft capital invested in those areas.
Projected Record: 5-12
Carolina Panthers:
The Panthers surprised many by going 8-9, making the playoffs, and making it a close playoff game vs the Rams (34-31, Rams won). Dave Canales seems to be making the case to be the Panthers coach long-term. But, like the Falcons, do the Panthers have a franchise QB?
Reasons for optimism:
Tetairoa McMillan earned himself Offensive Rookie of the Year and showed flashes of elite play making. He did this with a QB who only threw for 3,000 yards. If Bryce Young can take another step forward, Tet could be looking at a 1,400+ yard season next year. On the defensive side, I see this team having one of the stingiest secondaries in the league with Jaycee Horn leading the way.
Reasons for pessimism:
Bryce Young did the bare minimum when it comes to proving one deserves a big second contract…he played better than he did a year ago. The thing is, the floor was incredibly low. This year he will need to take an even bigger step forward. Beyond the QB position, the Panthers decided to let their running back, Rico Dowdle walk, despite him playing very well for them last year. If they want to help Young excel, they’ll need really good production from their backfield.
Draft:
The Panthers have the Round 1, 19th pick in this year’s draft and the top positions of need for them are pass rush and more weapons on offense. I see them taking Makai Lemon (WR- if he’s still there), Omar Cooper Jr. (WR), Kenyon Sadiq (TE), or R Mason Thomas (Edge).
Projected Record: 8-9
New Orleans Saints:
Finishing last in the division was not the leading story of this team as the 2025 season came to the end. Their QB, Tyler Shough, made a strong case for Offensive Rookie of the Year and gave Saints fans something they haven’t had since NFL legend Drew Brees retired, hope.
Reasons for optimism:
Kellen Moore is a really good coach. The Saints were competitive in games they had no business being competitive in and the team over performed. Tyler Shough looked like he might just be the best QB from the 2025 draft class. And, more importantly, he could be the long-term answer for the most important position in football, quarterback. His connection with star receiver, Chris Olave, looks like it could lead to yet another above average passing offense (13th last year). Also, with the signing of Travis Etienne, their rushing attack (28th last year) could take a significant jump forward.
Reasons for pessimism:
Their defense was solid last year but it was very old and big names are already on the move. Demario Davis went back to the team that drafted him—the stinkin’ Jets—and Cam Jordan looks like he’ll be leaving for a true Super Bowl contender as well. Filling those shoes won’t be easy and will require a really good draft or two.
Draft:
“With the 8th pick of the NFL draft the New Orleans Saints select…”, Well, it’s a toss up between Rueben Bain Jr. and Jordyn Tyson. The Saints need defensive help more than offensive weapons, but Tyson could be too good to pass up on. The Saints can’t go wrong drafting either player with the 8th pick.
Projected Record: 9-8
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
The team started 6-2 and then completely imploded. Emeka Egbuka looked like a lock for Offensive Rookie of the Year and Baker Mayfield looked like a dark horse MVP candidate. Injuries really hurt this team, and it’s really hard to overcome that. There is something they could correct but decided not to…we’ll get into that soon.
Reasons for optimism:
Rookie WR, Emeka Egbuka has the makings to be a very good #1 option. Baker Mayfield has this off season to get fully healthy and this offense should hum like normal.
Reasons for pessimism:
Todd freakin’ Bowles. How does a coach throw his team under the bus mid-season, miss the playoffs in a very weak division, and still keep his job? I mean I don’t know a single Bucs fan that believed the organization should keep him as their head coach. If you have a HC that won’t stick up for you, why would you fight for him? I don’t understand how this locker room will hold up this year. Also, a legend to the organization, Mike Evans, walked for a reason and it wasn’t because of money.
Draft:
The Bucs have the 15th pick in the first round and need a pass rusher. They were a bottom half team in sacks, so edge Akheem Mesidor looks like a great pick here.
Projected Record: 7-10