All teams have reported for training camp and the new NFL season will soon be upon us. It was a great 2025 season filled with tons of memorable games, new teams vying for spots at the top, and the emergence of new superstars. We are previewing every division and what you need to know. Here is our 2026 AFC South preview.
Last Year
What an interesting year it was in the NFC South. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers looked far and away the best team in the conference before quickly collapsing during the second half of the season. Because of that collapse, it allowed the Carolina Panthers, whose rebuild is over, to take the crown. The Panthers enjoyed a breakout season for Bryce Young, and Tet McMillan seemed to be the weapon they needed to get the job done. Carolina went 8-9, which is the same record as both the Bucs and Falcons but won because of a tiebreaker. The Falcons had a rollercoaster season that resulted in the firing of Raheem Morris and prompted them to go out and get Tua Tagovailoa during the offseason to compete with Michael Pennix Jr. for the starting job. The Saints were the Saints and finished 6-11. They will enter the new season with Tyler Shough who did impress at various times of the year.
Favorite to win in 2026
This might not be the best division to watch in football, but it might be one of the more interesting ones to watch. The Bucs are now without Mike Evans and Lavonte David and are having contractual issues with both Baker Mayfield and Vita Vea, the respective leaders on offense and defense. Additionally, Todd Bowles hasn’t proven to be all that capable of a head coach. The Panthers seemed to have had a massive offseason with big signings and a productive draft and should immediately compete again.
Offensive Player to Watch: Baker Mayfield
The Bucs have gotten both an MVP version of Mayfield and an internet meme version of the QB over the last two seasons. Baker was on path to win the MVP through the first six weeks of the season in 2025, but it all went off the rails as the season progressed. Can he put together a full year?
Defensive Player to Watch: AJ Terrell
When a dominant cornerback begins to blossom, they become some of the most interesting players in the league and Terrell is on that path. In 2025, he had 47 passes defended and seven interceptions. He has become a household name and one of the best players at his position.
Prediction
I am going with the Panthers here. Their offense is finally in a spot where it can compete week in and week out and the I think the Bucs and Falcons have too many other distractions going on to not get in the way of success during the season. Record (10-7)