Preseason Week 1 is almost underway and training camp is in full swing. The NFC South could possibly be the youngest division, in terms of starting quarterbacks, throughout the NFL. Mix in a new face in a new place down in New Orleans, and this division is certainly up for grabs. Where are we currently at through this portion of the training camp?
Atlanta Falcons
All of the talk surrounding the Falcons this offseason is that they drafted perhaps the best all-around football player and running back in the 2023 draft. Bijan Robinson is tailored to take over the backfield, However, he currently sits third on the depth chart behind veteran Cordarrelle Patterson and Tyler Allgeier. It is too early in the preseason to justify this as a valid depth chart, but it is interesting, to say the least.
Robinson should still be taken early in redraft leagues and will continue to stay hot in the rankings, in which he sits at RB4 currently.
Bijan Robinson with a filthy rep on Kaden Elliss early in 1s pic.twitter.com/XjFrdMzmYC
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) July 31, 2023
The key to the Falcons’ success this year will be solely on the shoulder and arm of quarterback Desmond Ridder, who takes over as the team’s starter. He will need to build on last season’s four games played but likely will not be used on your fantasy team, especially in single-quarterback leagues. Ridder is ranked as QB31 prior to the start of the season.
Carolina Panthers
Rookie quarterback Bryce Young now leads the new-look Panthers this season. This Panthers’ team looks a lot different this season though. Gone are the likes of Christian McCaffrey and D.J. Moore, but standing in are some talented young stars. Led by Young under center, they also have rookie second-round pick Jonathan Mingo at wide receiver. Running back Miles Sanders also joins the team this season to provide a veteran presence in the locker room.
Update: #Panthers 1st overall pick Bryce Young looks great right now against the #Jets
He two “Perfect” passes for 15-20 completions, per @TampaBayTre
Here’s a video of a tight throw to rookie 2nd round pick Jonathan Mingo
(🎥 @WestsideFetti)pic.twitter.com/Sp09wonwHS
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 9, 2023
Mingo and Young seem to have a pretty good connection, but wideout DJ Chark and tight end Hayden Hurst also look to be some great weapons for the young quarterback
From a fantasy perspective, it might be a bit before trusting Young. However, taking Mingo or Chark in the later rounds could pay off for your team. According to FantasyPros, Chark has a current ADP of 179 and Mingo is at 146 ADP. So the slight edge goes to Mingo in PPR leagues.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebackers Brian Burns and Justin Houston look to lock down opposing offenses.
New Orleans Saints
Quarterback Derek Carr looks to perform in a new place, having left the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason and needing a fresh start. The Saints take a hit when it was announced that running back Alvin Kamara would be suspended for three games a few days ago. If you haven’t already, it is a good idea to see if you can trade for rookie running back Kendre Miller in dynasty leagues. Miller would also be a great late-round stash in redraft leagues if you haven’t drafted yet.
Perhaps the bigger storyline for the Saints is whether or not wide receiver Michael Thomas can return to form. Thomas struggles with injuries but is a massive producer when on the field. He is considered a high-risk, high-reward type of player and should be drafted accordingly. His current ADP is 97 overall, and he has the potential to be a steal but proceed with caution as he hasn’t played a full season in four seasons.
A couple more Michael Thomas routes for yall to argue over 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Wqey42gdcr
— NOF (@nofnetwork) August 2, 2023
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The only quarterback battle in the NFC South is in Tampa Bay, following Tom Brady’s real retirement. The G.O.A.T. is gone and the Buccaneers have a battle between Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield.
#Bucs QBs Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask warming up. pic.twitter.com/g4WrXHUWiQ
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) August 9, 2023
In most fantasy leagues — if not all — this duo is avoidable. However, the Buccaneers receiving corps is solid with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Russell Gage. In light of who starts at quarterback, drafting Mike Evans seems to always pay off in fantasy. He is still worthy of drafting in PPR leagues.
One of the main storylines in the Buccaneers’ camp is running back Rachaad White. What he can do in the absence of Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones will be key for fantasy. White is sitting at RB24. He is certainly a boom-or-bust candidate. If Tampa Bay can keep games close this season, he will prosper.
Rachaad White finding the running lane. With the Buccaneers’ first padded practice, we are going to see how much the O-line has improved. #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/JXG3BjtDSP
— JOSE ALVARES (@Alvaresjose11) July 31, 2023
NFC South Training Camp Conclusion
A quarterback battle in Tampa, two young guns in Atlanta and Carolina, and an old AFC face in New Orleans will keep all eyes on who can overcome the others and take home the division crown. There are plenty of questions surrounding the NFC South. No answers will be revealed during training camp. That is what makes this division so exciting this season.
Will youth prevail or will Carr and the Saints run away with the division? The first three games of the season will answer that question quickly.
Dustin Brown
Dustin Brown is a writer for The League Winners. He enjoys hanging out with my family and friends when not trying to delivering NFL news or fantasy content to win your league. There is no sports stone left unturned when it comes to what he will watch.