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2023 NFL regular season predictions: Chiefs, Eagles continue domination

By Hunter Haas

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass while pressured by Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 11, 2022.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass while pressured by Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 11, 2022. /
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Aug 18, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) greets Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) following their 13-13 tie at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) greets Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) following their 13-13 tie at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

NFC South Predictions: Desmond Ridder Finds Success As QB1

1. Atlanta Falcons (9-8)*

2. New Orleans Saints (9-8)

3. Carolina Panthers (6-11)

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-11)

The NFC South, like its AFC counterpart, is widely considered one of the worst divisions in sports — not just the NFL. Again, similar to the AFC South, it will only take nine or ten wins to take home the divisional crown in 2023.

My pick atop the division is the Atlanta Falcons. I am a known Desmond Ridder truther, and general manager Terry Fontenot hasn’t received enough credit for reshaping the roster, especially on defense. Veteran Calais Campbell brings immediate respect to the locker room.

The Saints brought in Derek Carr this offseason, and the hope is that he puts them over the top in a way that Andy Dalton or Jameis Winston simply couldn’t. If New Orleans wins double-digit games it will come as no surprise, but health will be the deciding factor for that as the roster continues aging.

The Panthers and Buccaneers bring up the backend of the division. Carolina is embarking on a new journey centered around 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, while Tampa Bay attempts the same with 2018 No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield. Neither roster will allow these signal-callers to move the needle enough.

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