Sunday, August 24 2008 -- For years, this division seemed like it was either the Atlanta Falcons or the Carolina Panthers to lose. Things have change as the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have come to the forefront. Still, this is the NFL, which means that nothing can be taken for granted.

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints field a first-rate QB and offer an excellent ground attack. The receiving unit is one of the best around. The Saints have improved their defense through the draft and by adding quality free agents. New Orleans is deep on both sides of the ball.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Coach Jon Gruden likes defense, and he's built a sound one. But the Tampa Bay Buccaneers still have issues when it comes to the ground game and air attack. Quarterback Jeff Garcia is good but he has little talent to work with on the receiving unit or running squad. Teams will have to work diligently to score on Tampa Bay's fine "D". Despite that putting points on the board won’t be easy for the Bucs.

Carolina Panthers

Head coach John Fox has to put up some winning numbers or he will be gone. The Carolina Panthers were inconsistent in 2007. With QB Jake Delhomme recovering from Tommy John surgery and no adequate backup on the roster, this team could be in trouble. First-year back Jonathan Stewart, out of Oregon, will play immediately. This is an offense focused on the run.

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons, in an attempt to alter their downward trend, hired rookie coach Mike Smith. They've added talented QB Matt Ryan, formerly of Boston College, to the roster. Starting QB Joey Harrington should be looking over his shoulder. There are so many weakness on this club that it will be years before they can compete.

Final Analysis

In this conference, the Saints are favored. The Buccaneers will compete. The Panthers must gel quickly to have a hope at the playoffs and the Falcons will simply try to improve.

2008 Finish and Record

1) New Orleans Saints (12-4)
2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)
3) Carolina Panthers (8-8)
4) Atlanta Falcons (3-13)