NFC South teams look to contend
As NFL training camps commence, all 32 teams are preparing for their upcoming campaigns. The Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints, all from the NFC South, are among the teams identified as potentially underrated heading into the 2026 season. The Falcons, for instance, are one of 10 teams that hired new head coaches this offseason.
Kevin Stefanski takes over a Falcons team that includes players such as Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London. The team finished the previous season with an 8-9 record, tying with the Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the top spot in the NFC South, though they were eliminated from playoff contention due to tiebreakers. The Falcons have recorded a losing record for eight consecutive years and have only exceeded their win-total projection once in that period. Their win projection for 2026-27 is set at 6.5 or 7.5 victories, depending on the sportsbook.
The Panthers also finished 8-9 last season, securing their first playoff appearance in eight years through a tiebreaker over the Buccaneers and Falcons. Quarterback Bryce Young achieved career highs in passing yards with 3,011 and 23 touchdowns in his third season. The team’s defense improved significantly, moving from last in the league to the middle of the pack. General manager Dan Morgan made several moves to strengthen both offensive and defensive lines, bringing in veteran guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, as well as pass rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. The Panthers’ odds of making the playoffs for a second consecutive year are +225 at BetMGM.
The Saints, under rookie head coach Kellen Moore, showed progress last season, particularly with a 4-0 run in December. If second-year quarterback Tyler Shough continues his late-season development and integrates new additions like rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and running back Travis Etienne alongside existing players like Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara, the Saints could become a significant contender in the division. Last season, the Saints split games with the Buccaneers and swept the Panthers.
Other teams to watch in 2026
Beyond the NFC South, the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals are also considered underrated. The Colts, led by coach Shane Steichen, could have contended for the top seed in the AFC last season if Daniel Jones had not sustained an Achilles tendon injury in Week 14. With Jones expected to start the season, the Colts hope to maintain their strong offense, which features a robust offensive line and running back Jonathan Taylor. Despite a challenging initial schedule, Indianapolis aims to compete in the AFC South.
The Bengals are looking for a bounce-back season after their defense, ranked 31st, struggled last year, giving up at least 30 points in seven games and more than 45 points twice. Quarterback Joe Burrow returns from injury, and defensive additions such as Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, and Boye Mafe are expected to bolster the defensive front. These moves could provide the Bengals with more depth than they had during their Super Bowl run in the 2021 season.
Overrated teams and challenges ahead
Conversely, several teams are viewed as potentially overrated. The Dallas Cowboys, despite generating considerable attention, face the challenge of a new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, integrating many new players into a unit that struggled last season. These additions include veterans like Rashan Gary, Cobie Durant, and Dee Winters, alongside rookies Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham. While the offense, featuring Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens, is expected to perform well, the defense may require time to gel. The Cowboys have a consensus win-total projection of 9.5 for the upcoming season, and 66% of their games have gone over the total in the past three seasons.
The Buffalo Bills, who saw coach Sean McDermott fired after falling short of a Super Bowl appearance, are also considered overrated. While quarterback Josh Allen is a key player, the team faces potential growing pains as Joe Brady transitions from offensive coordinator to head coach and Jim Leonhard implements a new defensive scheme. The Chicago Bears, despite reaching the divisional round of the playoffs last season and seeing quarterback Caleb Williams develop, are projected for a challenging season. Their defense, which led the NFL with 33 takeaways, will need to improve its pressure rate and run defense. The Bears are even-money (+100) to return to the playoffs in 2026-27.
The Philadelphia Eagles, despite their consistent playoff appearances and two Super Bowl wins in the last decade, are undergoing significant changes. They have a new offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion, and have added defensive players Jonathan Greenard and Riq Woolen while losing key standouts Nakobe Dean and Reed Blankenship. The health of their offensive line and a difficult late-season schedule are concerns. Since the start of the 2022 campaign, Philadelphia has a 37-8 record prior to December.
The New England Patriots, who exceeded expectations in 2025 by winning their division and reaching the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks, face a tough 2026 season. They will not have the element of surprise and have a demanding schedule, including three road games in their first four weeks. The addition of A.J. Brown is expected to help quarterback Drake Maye, but developing team chemistry may take time. The Patriots also need to enhance their pass rush to improve their defense.
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Source: nytimes.com
As CasinoNews's Sports News Writer, Mason Leclair reports on the CFL, golf and combat sports for readers across the country. He moved from regional papers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Carleton University. Mason lives in Ottawa, where he follows the PGA Tour and mixed martial arts. “Get the facts down first, then add the context.”
