Predicting each NFC South team's record for the 2019 NFL season

The NFC South is known as one of the leagues more intriguing and dominant divisions, primarily based on the number of star players each team possesses. Drew Brees and the Saints will be looking to capture another NFC South title, while Matt Ryan and the Falcons will be looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued season.

Meanwhile, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston will be looking to help guide their respective teams into the postseason in 2019. Here's how I believe each NFC South team will fare, record-wise, in 2019.

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#1 New Orleans Saints: 11-5

I believe the Saints will dial it back a bit in 2019, solely based on the fact that there are other NFC teams that have more talent. Yes, the Saints are an offensive powerhouse with Drew Brees showing no signs of declining anytime soon. Despite the departure of Mark Ingram (Ravens), Alvin Kamara looks to take his place as the Saints' #1 running back. After all, he and superstar wide receiver Michael Thomas (1,405 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in '18), are two of the most productive and dominant players in the entire league.

There's no questioning the dominance of New Orleans' offense. Their pass defense, however, concerns me a little heading into this season. In 2018, the Saints were 14th in total yards allowed per game with 349.1. They also ranked 29th in passing yards allowed per game with 268.9, too. Regardless of the Saints' weaknesses, I still believe their juggernaut of an offense will guide them to an 11-win season, as they secure yet another NFC South division title in 2019.

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#2 Atlanta Falcons: 10-6

Matt Ryan

Let's just call last season a dud for the Falcons. I mean, when you consider the plethora of injuries they had defensively, how can we call it anything else? In fact, the defense was so depleted, their overall rankings took a drastic turn downward in 2018.

Last season, Atlanta ranked 25th in points allowed per game with 25.6, 28th in total yards allowed per game with 384.5, 27th in passing yards allowed per game with 259.6 and 25th in rushing yards allowed per game with 124.9.

But have no fear, Falcons fans. Your team is completely healthy and looking to make a strong push at the 2019 postseason. With the return of several key defensive starters like linebacker Deion Jones and safety Keanu Neal, the Falcons' defense can focus on returning to their dominant form.

Look for 'Matty Ice', Julio Jones and a much improved offensive line that includes two brand new additions in Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary, to help guide Atlanta to a 10-win season and a spot in the 2019 postseason.

#3 Carolina Panthers: 8-8

Cam Newton

Carolina is a very well-rounded team, which usually garners a lot of attention solely based on their starting quarterback. However, this offseason, the Panthers' star quarterback Cam Newton is garnering a lot of attention for all the wrong reasons, with his right shoulder injury being the main storyline to watch heading into the oncoming months. Although reports about Newton's progress have been positive, there's still no set timetable for his return.

Despite having Newton at the helm last season, the Panthers went from a having a 6-2 record and being a legit playoff contender, to losing seven straight games and ultimately ending their season with a disappointing 7-9 record. We'd later find out that he battled a shoulder injury throughout most of the season.

But Newton's shoulder issues aren't the only reason for concern heading into this season, as Carolina is missing pieces on their offensive line, particularly on the left side. Not only that, but their secondary and lack of pass rushers led me to believe the Panthers could take a big step backwards this season.

Carolina will be a team to keep your eye on this season, but for now, Newton's health status being up in the air combined with the holes both offensively and defensively, I can't see this team winning more than eight games in 2019.

#4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-9

Jameis Winston

The Bucs, similar to their rival in Carolina, have holes on both sides of the ball, too. However, their biggest question resides at the quarterback position. And, to be honest, I'm not sure if even Bruce Arians can turn Jameis Winston's career around. Winston has shown some flashes of being a decent starting quarterback. But that's all it has been for the former #1 overall selection - mere flashes. And that's not saying much.

Their offense, surprisingly, was 12th in points per game with 24.8, 1st in passing yards per game with 320.3, and 3rd in total yards per game with 415.5 in 2018. Both Chris Godwin and Mike Evans are two of the more underrated receivers in the league, honestly. They're both very productive, despite being overshadowed by playing for a mediocre team the last several seasons.

Speaking of mediocrity, Tampa Bay's defense was, for a lack of better words, all that and then some. The unit ranked 31st in points allowed per game with 29.0, 27th in total yards allowed per game with 383.4, 26th in passing yards allowed per game with 259.4, and 24th in rushing yards allowed per game with 123.9.

If Arians can muster some of the same success he had with Carson Palmer and the Cardinals back in 2015, the Bucs may realistically have a shot at winning more than five games this season. But based on both their poor defense and the extreme uncertainty surrounding Winston, seven wins in 2019 is more than equitable, in my opinion.