Once free agency and the NFL Draft is out of the way, we will begin to have a much clearer picture of how things will look for every team heading into next season. The moves made in the next few weeks will have an impact on every team and every division, during which time we are likely to see the betting odds fluctuate quite wildly. We have already seen that happen in the NFC South, with the Tom Brady move suddenly putting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the map. The enormity of that move makes it well worth us having a closer look at each team in the division and what they have done in the opening week of free agency with their NFL Odds and Super Bowl Odds Updated.
NFC South Free Agency Thoughts After Week 1
Atlanta Falcons
While the Atlanta Falcons had a disappointing season last year, they did end the season on a high note, going 6-2 in the second half. That was not nearly good enough to get them into the postseason, though, but it may serve as a sign that they are closer to competing that many of us imagined. Their biggest move in free agency was to snap up Todd Gurley after he was released by the LA Rams. Given Gurley’s injury woes, it is a bit of a risky move. The addition of DE Dante Fowler Jr. should help the Falcons with their run defense. They are currently in at +600 to win the division.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers finished last season at 5-11, which left them sitting in the cellar in the NFC South. Some of the Panthers old guard are now on their way out. Luke Keuchly announced his retirement, while Greg Olsen and Cam Newton have been deemed surplus to requirements. Teddy Bridgewater will be under center for the Panthers next season, while also adding a trio of wide receivers, none of whom would be considered a big splash. It looks like rebuild time for Carolina, who are +1200 to win the division.
New Orleans Saints
Given that the New Orleans Saints have posted a 13-3 record in back to back seasons, they are not a team that needs a whole lot of work. The one thing that they were waiting on was to see if Drew Brees was going to return or retire. As soon as he announced that he would be coming back, Teddy Bridgewater’s time in the Big Easy was as good as done. The Saints also added S Malcolm Jenkins, while also landing WR Emmanuel Sanders, which could make that Saints offense even scarier than it already is. New Orleans is favorite to win the division at -125.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After weeks of speculation where we all wondered where Tom Brady would end up, the GOAT announced that he would be leaving the New England Patriots and heading to Tampa Bay. That signing sent a ripple effect throughout the entire league and opened the door for a slew of QB moves. The Buccaneers are almost certainly not done with free agency, with the next big rumor being that they will also land the services of WR Antonio Brown. Just like that, the Bucs are now +200 to win the division.
