New Orleans Saints

While the Saints may be down, they certainly aren’t out – as long as they have Drew Brees at the helm. Even without Sean Payton – one of the league’s best offensive minds – pacing the sidelines, the Saints offense will still be among the league's best behind Brees' talent and leadership.

Atlanta Falcons

Although the Falcons, who haven’t won a playoff game since 2004, are beginning to earn the unfavorable distinction of being chokers in the playoffs, Mike Smith’s squad has been one of the NFL’s best regular-season teams (43-21) since he became head coach in 2008.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are the NFC South team that could turn the entire division on its head. After 10 years of mild success under the conservative philosophy of John Fox, things quickly changed in Carolina last season under the direction of a rookie quarterback, Cam Newton, and a rookie head coach, Ron Rivera.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The last two seasons have been a rollercoaster ride for the Buccaneers. After a 10-6 season in 2010 and a 4-2 start to the 2011 season, things looked great in Tampa Bay under young, fiery head coach Raheem Morris.