NFL Futures: Best Bet to Win NFC South (2021)

by Spencer Limbach |
Sep 01, 2021

Can anyone leapfrog Tampa Bay in the NFC South?

The reigning Super Bowl Champions enter the 2021 season with great odds to get back to the big game. Tampa Bay is favored to win the NFC, currently holding +300 odds on FanDuel Sportsbook.

New Orleans ranks seventh in this category, as they are +1600 to win the NFC this season. Atlanta and Carolina are considered true longshots in this regard. Both of these teams are in rebuilding stages, especially the Panthers, while breaking in new QB Sam Darnold.

The NFC South boils down to one question: can the Saints challenge the Buccaneers for the division title? Some people are skeptical of QB Jameis Winston's ability to lead New Orleans, but that's ignoring the rest of the Saints' talent. Do they have enough to push them back above the reigning Super Bowl Champs?

We'll answer that question while looking at the overall odds to win the NFC South.

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.

Check out our consensus odds to win the NFC North >>

THE ODDS

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Odds to win NFC South: -240

The Buccaneers are in a position to repeat as Super Bowl Champions. You could argue that they are more of a complete team than their playoff squad last season. That shows throughout the preseason rankings, as Tampa ranks top ten for the offensive line, defensive line, linebacking corps, and secondary according to Pro Football Focus. That's ignoring the supremely talented skill positions surrounding Tom Brady.

New Orleans Saints
Odds to win NFC South: +440

It's difficult to trust Jameis Winston to lead this team to a division title. However, it wouldn't be out of the question for Winston to become much more efficient under "QB whisperer" Sean Payton. The Saints are solid in every other position, holding a top-five offensive line to pair with the explosiveness of RB Alvin Kamara.

Atlanta Falcons
Odds to win NFC South: +850

The Falcons are in flux right now. They traded away Julio Jones, and the defensive needs an overhaul. It will be interesting to see what the new coaching staff does with this team, but it seems like a multi-year process to get them back on track. Atlanta has the worst secondary and second-worst defensive line heading into the season, according to PFF.

Carolina Panthers
Odds to win NFC South: +1200

Carolina has Christian McCaffrey and a few other nice skill players in Robbie Anderson and DJ Moore. Outside of that, there are question marks everywhere you look. The biggest concern comes at QB, where Sam Darnold will take over following a disappointing tenure with the Jets. Can the change of scenery/coaching get Darnold going, and will that be enough to make Carolina competitive?

THE PICK

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -240 at FanDuel Sportsbook

This isn't an exciting pick, but I believe it's the correct one.

I can't in good faith recommend anyone outside of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win the NFC South. Injuries and volatility could make this division interesting, but Tampa has the depth to deal with those situations.

The Saints are talented, but they find themselves in a transition year following the retirement of Drew Brees. Some people may be concerned about a hangover with the Buccaneers, but this is a supremely talented team that knows how to win.

If you are looking for another way to wager on the Bucs, consider taking Tom Brady OVER his passing yard prop. Sitting behind one of the best offensive lines in the league while throwing to essentially three WR1 options should serve him well.

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NFL Futures: Best Bet to Win NFC South (2021)

THE ODDS

THE PICK

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