We're almost there! The NFL Preview for 2022 is nearly complete, with one division left after this. But first, we're onto the NFC South, where one team reigns supreme. For that team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the expectation is to send Tom Brady home with one more Super Bowl. The legendary quarterback said he'd retire after winning one more Lombardi trophy and the Bucs are looking to avenge their loss to the Rams from last season. Granted, there's no more Gronk (?). But this is a mostly static team that should compete for the Super Bowl.
As for the New Orleans Saints, their expectation is to make it as the seventh seed. The NFC is practically wide open, with the exception of the NFC West. The Saints have a stellar defense, led by DeMario Davis. They also added Tyrann Mathieu to give opposing pass attacks fits (are you reading this, Brady?). Michael Thomas appears to be a lost cause, though. That's unfortunate because he was supposed to be the most exciting part of the Saints' offense. Still, New Orleans is looking to get back to the playoffs and stifle opposing offenses, even with their shortcomings on the other side.
Finally, we have the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers. For these two teams, the expectation is to tank. There's not much going for these two squads and they need franchise quarterbacks (no offense to Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, or Marcus Mariota). Desmond Ridder looks to be the answer in Atlanta, but the Panthers need that game-changer. They're hoping for someone like former MVP, Cam Newton, who brought excitement before a litany of injuries hampered his career.
