The AFC was last week. The NFC East was Monday, and the North was yesterday. The NFC South is pretty dull, but with three teams likely in the playoff mix (want to guess which team isn’t?), it’s not that bad.

Carolina Panthers – Not sure why, but we seem to gravitate toward this team every year. Their QB is coming off Tommy John surgery. Two of their first three are on the road against strong teams (San Diego, Minnesota). They close the season on the road against the Super Bowl champs and then in New Orleans. There are a ton of reasons NOT to like these guys: QB issues, uncertain RB situation, Steve Smith getting punchy with a teammate, and a defense that struggled last year and was 2nd to last in the NFL in sacks. Yes, Julius Peppers still plays for them! Time to zag: 11-5.

New Orleans Saints – Not as bullish on these guys as a lot of folks, but it’s a lock that they’ll improve on last year’s dreadful 7-9 season that was laden with high expectations following a trip to the NFC Championship in 2006. The WRs are a year more experienced, Deuce is healthy, and Shockey’s in the fold. Like LB Jon Vilma (former Jet) and rookie DT Sedrick Ellis. Hey, at least they’re trying to build a defense. Do have two challenging non-division road games early – Washington and Denver – but these guys also could catch the Chargers napping at home. We’re thinking 10-6 and a playoff spot.

Tampa Bay Bucs – Just don’t think it’s happening. Face it – the last two years, the Bucs have been a good team playing in a mostly shitty division. Last year, the Bucs had no business getting to the playoffs, but because Vick got incarcerated, the Saints tanked, and Jake needed Tommy John, TB won the division by default. And that was without its best player, RB Caddy Williams. Favre should be happy he didn’t come to this overrated team and have the joy of throwing passes to two old receivers. Jeff Garcia, though, is married to the above former Playmate of the Year, and that always eases the pain. Gruden grumbles as the team goes 6-10.

Atlanta Falcons – Worst team in football and frankly, these bums aren’t even worth talking about. Prediction: 2-14.