The New Orleans Saints are a team that people believe will find success during the 2023 season almost by default. The NFC South is projected to not be an overly strong division, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won it last season with an 8-9 record.
When taking a look at the state of each team heading into 2023, it may not take much better of a record to win the NFC South. Right now, the Saints are in the best position for a number of reasons.
In the opinion of an NFC scout that spoke to NFL Analysis Network, this is a divisional race that may not be close. The scout believes the Saints will run away with the NFC South should this one key thing occur during the season.
“Just looking at the talent they have on paper, this Saints team could be much better than expected. If Derek Carr takes the step I expect him to, New Orleans will win the NFC South division with ease.”
Compared to the other teams in the division, the Saints are certainly in the best spot when it comes to quarterback. The Buccaneers are having an uninspiring quarterback battle between Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask. The Atlanta Falcons are going with second-year signal caller Desmond Ridder and the Carolina Panthers have rookie Bryce Young, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
That alone should make the Saints favorites, as Carr has found more success than his NFC South counterparts in the NFL combined. On paper, there aren’t many glaring holes on this roster, either.
Had New Orleans had a quarterback of Carr’s caliber under center in 2022, they likely would have run away with the division instead of finishing 7-10. There is a ton of talent on this offense, even with Alvin Kamara having to serve a three-game suspension.
Free agent signing Jamaal Williams and rookie Kendre Miller will handle the backfield. Chris Olave is an emerging star at wide receiver and Michael Thomas is healthy, for now. Juwan Johnson flashed dominance at times in 2022 at tight end as well.
With a top-10 unit defensively three years running, the Saints can at least lean on that unit to find success should the offense need some time to gel. This is a team that could be a dark horse contender if a few things break in their favor.
