We are finally here. The 2026 NFL season begins this year, and with that, it’s time to look at a regular season preview for each team in the NFC South.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
To open up the season, the Buccaneers have a tough battle ahead of them. In week 1, the Bucs will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals, and that is usually the worst time to face off against Joe Burrow and the roster. The Bengals have been extremely unlucky with injuries in recent years, and they usually happen after week 1. So, Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and the other dynamic players should be ready right away, but it is important to note that Chase and Higgins are questionable for the game, so that may change.
Where the Bucs are likely going to win this game is on offense. Baker Mayfield had a really great start to last year, and it fell apart the more the season went on. This game is a chance for him to start well again, and although the Bengals made some massive additions (such as Dexter Lawrence), the defense is still very unproven and could be exposed.
Carolina Panthers
Speaking of difficult opening games of the season, the Panthers are playing the Chicago Bears. For the division champions, this is going to be a massive test to start the season. We can see right away if the moves the team made this preseason will improve the team, and if QB Bryce Young can take yet another step forward.
Don’t forget, these two teams were the ones involved in the trade that got Carolina Young and Chicago Caleb Williams. The main focus will be on both QBs in this game, and if last season told us anything, Williams is ahead of Young, which is not great for Carolina. Young is also trying to prove to the team that they should sign him to a contract extension.
Atlanta Falcons
In one of the more shocking moments this offseason, Tua Tagovailoa will be the starter. The reason for this was that Michael Penix is not ready to play yet due to his season-ending injury from last season. If both players were healthy, the job would likely go to Penix, but Tagovailoa will have a big opportunity in front of him on Sunday.
The only issue is the Falcons are going up against T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers. That type of pressure off the edge is a scary sight for any QB, especially Tagovailoa. But the Steelers are probably the easiest opponent a team in the NFC South faces this week. Pittsburgh is not the complete team they have been, and with Mike Tomlin no longer at HC and Aaron Rodgers nowhere near what he used to be, things could get ugly for them.
New Orleans Saints
And now we have the Saints, and they will be going up against one of the scariest offenses in the league. Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta will be a massive test for the Saints, and that’s worrying with how much of a priority the offense was this past offseason. Still, with a coach like Brandon Staley leading the defense, there’s a chance that the Saints can do enough to get the win.
On offense, this is going to be a great oppurtunity for Tyler Shough and Kellen Moore to start off on the right foot. The Lions’ defense is dealing with major injuries, and although that defensive line is still extremely worrying, the Saints can still have a great offensive game.
