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Since divisional realignment in 2002, the NFC South has been the most tumultuous division from year-to-year. It’s the only division to not have a repeat champion in that time. After an eventful offseason for each team, another shakeup in the divisional standings should be expected.

The Carolina Panthers took the South crown in 2013 thanks to a dramatic Week 16 win over the New Orleans Saints. The Atlanta Falcons were hit hard with injuries and stumbled to a 4-12 finish. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced a litany of off-the-field issues and started 0-8 before going a respectable 4-4 down the stretch.

The Saints only improved in the offseason and the Panthers’ losses have been a bit overblown. Add in a healthier Falcons team and a talented Buccaneers team buoyed by a new coach, and the NFC South should be one of the league toughest divisions in 2014.

Here is how the division is expected to finish, from first to worst.

1. New Orleans Saints

Under Rob Ryan, the Saints defense is starting to catch up to the high-powered offense in terms of talent. With the additions of Jairus Byrd and an aging Champ Bailey, New Orleans should finish close to the top-five in total defense in 2014. For the first time in a long time, there are question marks surrounding the Saints offense. Do-it-all RB Darren Sproles is with the Philadelphia Eagles and the dependable Lance Moore will ply his trade in Pittsburgh. But Drew Brees and Sean Payton are still in New Orleans, so the offense won’t take too big of a dive, and that should be enough to give the Saints the most complete team in the NFC South.

The Saints toughest stretch will come during the middle of the season when they face four-straight playoff teams from 2013, including a Thursday night tilt with the reigning division champion Panthers.

Read more: USA Today: Saints should win the NFC South | wwltv.com New Orleans

saintsfan1976

Let's get through training camp.

Marlboro Man

Yeah, I'm hoping we don't lose 11 starters before the first game again this year.

SmashMouth

We should as our schedule appears a bit easier... not that any NFL schedule is easy.

NonieT

Easier? I think it's just as bad as last season.

ChrisXVI

There are no easy games in the NFL. Plenty of team's seasons are over by the end of preseason due to injuries. We'll be fine because we're great and great teams can persevere through anything!

Rugby Saint II

It's depth that is needed. We lost too much talent to injury last year.

WillSaints81

yeah I don't know if the schedule is any easier than last year. For one all of the road games will be challenges because unlike last year these teams have receivers. That is a big difference.