The Buccaneers check in at +275, as the oddsmakers believe they could definitely claim the crown and advance to the playoffs if things bounce right. Tampa Bay has taken forward strides in the past couple of seasons and if quarterback Jameis Winston is in for a breakout season, that could be the jolt the Bucs need to claim the NFC South.
NFC South Opening Odds at BookMaker.eu
Atlanta Falcons +172
Carolina Panthers +265
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +275
New Orleans Saints +360
Why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Will Win the NFC South
Winston, the former No. 1 overall draft pick, has helped the team improve from two wins in 2014 to six wins in 2015 up to nine wins a year ago. If that trajectory continues, Tampa Bay will fly into the double-digit victory space and definitely be in contention for the NFC South crown.
Winston threw for 4,090 yards with 28 touchdowns but 18 interceptions a season ago. He has great arm talent but will need to cut down on the interceptions. One reason to believe in the Buccaneers is the addition of speedster DeSean Jackson. The Bucs did their damage a season ago with basically only one wideout of note in Mike Evans. He is back to lead the way, but Jackson adds another element that will keep defenses honest.
The Buccaneers have a star defensive tackle in Gerald McCoy, and quite a few good-but-not great players on defense. Tampa Bay was about middle of the pack last season, and if it can improve marginally in points allowed while the offense takes another step forward, that could be enough to get it in contention in the NFC South.
There is plenty of hype surrounding this team right now based on the way it has gone from also-ran to playoff hopeful over a three-year span. It’s on the shoulders of Winston to deliver a memorable season in Tampa Bay.
Why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Won't Win the NFC South
Even though Tampa Bay finished with a 9-7 record a season ago, it had a negative point-differential and may have outperformed the true talent level on the team. While most expect the club to keep ascending, it’s not a foregone conclusion that another winning season is in the works.
Winston has proven to be a good quarterback, but if he plateaus this group will have a tough time pushing for the divisional title. While the Bucs seem like they could be solid, the issue is that there is so much talent in the division. The Falcons were the hottest team in the NFL at the end of last season and would have won the Super Bowl if not for a miraculous comeback by the New England Patriots from a 28-3 deficit. Atlanta brings back pretty much everyone of substance and is aiming for another title push.
The Panthers are hard to figure out, but Cam Newton is still a top-tier quarterback and the defense looks solid. Carolina may not find the magic of 2015, but it’s still a team in the running. The New Orleans Saints have the worst odds to win the NFC South, but at +360 they aren’t that big of underdogs. Drew Brees always makes this team a contender.
Tampa Bay has high hopes, but Winston needs to become a star for his team to have a shot at the title. It’s more likely that another eight or nine-win season is in the cards, which would likely not be enough to claim the division. The Falcons seem most likely to win the NFC South inn 2017.
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