More Likely: Worst to First or First to Worst?
In this crowded and, frankly, underwhelming division, no order can really be ruled out. But the Saints are coming in with a few major injuries across the roster, so the hype as a sleeper candidate for the division has cooled considerably. While the Panthers made a couple of big moves to upgrade their defense, they have some injuries as well, plus the uncertainty of what kind of performance they’ll be getting from Bryce Young. Paired with the fact that they escaped with a handful of lucky wins last year, they could absolutely regress enough to finish last, especially if the Saints got most of their major injuries out of way before start of the season.
Hottest Seat?
Todd Bowles, and this one’s not even close to being close. Fans were asking for his head after last season’s collapse, and there were rumors throughout December that it could happen. He made it back, but is surely operating on the thinnest of ice. The team did some work in the offseason to re-tool the defense, allowing him to do what he intends with it. The offense maintains high expectations even following the departure of franchise legend Mike Evans. With a soft division, missing the playoffs for a second straight year won’t be tolerated. His job security should even be monitored early in the year; if a division rival overachieves and builds a multi-game lead while the defense in Tampa proves leaky, they could make a move early to try and light a fire that can salvage the season.
Likeliest MVP Candidate?
Baker Mayfield. The only proven starting QB in the division on the team considered most likely to win the division. He put up huge numbers in two years ago and was off to a hot start with MVP chatter last year before lingering injuries took their toll and the team’s collapse grew more pronounced. Even with nice stats again in 2026, winning the division at 10-7 as they did in 2024 won’t be enough, but if they catch some breaks and manage to go 12-5, he could have a realistic shot.
Fantasy League Winner?
It’s an obvious choice, but Bijan Robinson is the way to go here, for anyone fortunate enough to be able to draft him. I would anticipate another heavy load for him. The QB situation doesn’t necessarily bode well for the team’s fortunes, but makes them more likely to lean on the run game and could get him plenty of checkdown opportunities that will help in PPR leagues.
What To Watch:
- Even coming off a division win and nearly besting the Rams in an aptly-named Wild Card game, the questions that surround Young aren’t going away. Even with the 5th-year option that technically buys them until the end of 2027, the clock is ticking on figuring out whether or not their former first overall pick is a franchise QB or not.
- Gone is Mike Evans, who will likely retire in the top 10 on the all-time receiving list. Who will fill his shoes? The receiver room isn’t lacking in talent, but health is the larger concern. If Emeka Egbuka’s lingering toe injury doesn’t cause any issues, he definitely has the upside to make it happen. Chris Godwin is a proven threat over the years, but he is 30 and has dealt with his share of injuries. And Jalen McMillan has shown flashes early in his career, but had a neck injury end his season last year, which can be tricky and dangerous to bounce back from. They also drafted Ted Hurst III to fill the Evans role insofar as skill set is concerned, but I hardly think they’re betting the future of the franchise on a 3rd-round pick.
- Will there be any right-handed passes for the Falcons? As of now, it’s expected to be a left show in Atlanta this fall, with Tua Tagovailoa officially named the starter now as Michael Penix, Jr. waits while completing his injury recovery. But both have extensive injury histories, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a portion of the year when neither is available. Cooper Rush is the backup at the moment, and they’re keeping rookie Jack Strand around as well, who could actually see some action.
- Tyler Shough showing some real promise as a rookie was almost as surprising as how early he got drafted. Even so, an impressive QB draft class is coming up in April, and he’s going to have to show the Saints even more this year to convince them to not go get the next big thing, especially when they’ve invested so much into offensive weapons.
All-Division Team:
QB – Baker Mayfield
RB – Bijan Robinson
RB – Bucky Irving
WR – Drake London
WR – Tetairoa McMillan
WR – Chris Olave
TE – Juwan Johnson
TE – Kyle Pitts
LT – Tristan Wirfs
LG – Matthew Bergeron
C – Graham Barton
RG – Robert Hunt
RT – Taliese Fuaga
DL – Vita Vea
DL – Derrick Brown
DL – A’Shawn Robinson
ED – Jaelan Phillips
ED – Yaya Diaby
LB – Devin Lloyd
LB – Kaden Elliss
LB – Alex Anzalone
CB – AJ Terrell, Jr.
CB – Jaycee Horn
FS – Antoine Winfield, Jr.
SS – Jessie Bates III
NB – Jacob Parrish
K – Daniel Carlson
P – Ryan Wright
RS – Kameron Johnson
