NFC South- Week 10

Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints:

Such a great divisional matchup is coming up! Why? Because for what the Falcons offer with a good offense, their defense is actually one of the worst defenses in the league. Surprising, right? But guess what other team also has this kind of dynamic? Well, maybe it’s the team they’re about to play this next weekend, the New Orleans Saints! Is this a shoot-out? I sure hope so! Because nothing headlines better than “Matty Ice vs. Breezy” except, maybe “Bears vs. Texans”, but I digress.

It’s a good thing the Falcons are so adept as the passing game, because Michael Turner has been outright atrocious this season, at least in comparison to what he’s been able to do in the pass. He really needs to find his groove, and fast, before the Falcons become a one-trick pony. Not that the Saints’ D will be able to stop their one trick, even though they know it.

Darren Sproles of the Saints will sit out for the rest of the season, which poses a slight issue for the Saints offense at the position of running back. While Sproles was arguably the most talented back, Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram…and Chris Ivory all have to step up, most likely Pierre Thomas. While his season has been cut into by Sproles’ presence, he has a chance now to bust out some yardage. Remember, the Falcons’ defense isn’t all that good either.

Carolina Panthers: 

After the ‘showdown’ between the two ‘premier’ young quarterbacks in the league, Cam Newton came out the victor. However, a win does not make up for how he has underperformed this season, even if he isn’t solely to blame. The jury is out in the Panthers’ committee backfield in terms of effectiveness, and maybe Cam just performed god-like last season and is now back to Earth.

Going against the Broncos presents a very big problem for the Panthers; no matter what, the Broncos will score. They will. Be it by Manning or McGahee, they WILL get their points. This game comes down to whether or not the Panthers can keep up the pace and, perhaps, come up with a pick or two; some takeaway that can turn the tide to their favor.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

So where did THESE guys emerge from?! Who could have thought the Buccaneers would be sitting pretty, stats-wise, and holding onto the biggest surprise performance of the season in Doug Martin, Mr. ‘Muscle Hamster’ himself? He single handedly brought the Bucs’ rushing game into the top ten in the league!

The Bucs’ defense is as bad as other bad defenses, however, not that that will matter all that much, as the visiting Chargers sport one of the worst offenses in the league. If the Buccaneers want to win this weekend, they’ll have to play like they did against the Raiders last week…except completely change their defense from the second half. Don’t get me wrong, they have ball hawks on defense, but Phillip Rivers is smart enough, perhaps, to not take any risks against a surging Buccaneers team.