The NFC South is a division defined by Aspirations and Uncertainty heading into the 2025 NFL season. Key players such as Kyle Pitts and Bryce Young face critical junctures in their careers, while Cade Otton aims to build on a breakout season. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints are undergoing a significant organizational overhaul. This confluence of factors makes the upcoming season a potentially transformative one for the entire division.
Kyle Pitts: A Make-or-Break Year
Kyle Pitts, the Atlanta Falcons’ highly-touted tight end, is entering the final year of his rookie contract with considerable pressure to deliver consistent results. Drafted as the No. 4 overall pick, Pitts has demonstrated flashes of brilliance but has struggled to maintain consistent production since his impressive rookie season in 2021. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Pitts has not managed to eclipse 700 receiving yards or 55 receptions in any season since his debut. The primary objective for Pitts in 2025 is to establish a strong rapport with the new starting quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., selected as the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft.
Penix-Pitts Chemistry
Early indications of the Penix-Pitts connection have been underwhelming. In Penix’s three starts last season, Pitts averaged only 3.3 targets and 6.5 PPR (Points Per Reception) points per game, a trend the Falcons are keen to reverse, according to Fantasy Life analysts. The team’s offensive scheme, coordinated by Zac Robinson, will need to prioritize Pitts to justify his high draft pedigree and secure his future with the franchise. The Falcons are banking on Penix Jr. to elevate Pitts’ game and contribute significantly to an offense that also features Drake London and Bijan Robinson.
Cade Otton: Riding the Momentum
Cade Otton of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is coming off a career-best 2024 season, having recorded 59 receptions for 600 yards and four touchdowns. This performance led to a notable rise in PFF’s tight end rankings, with analysts highlighting his improvements as a blocker and his emergence as a reliable starter. Pewter Report noted Otton’s increased role in the offense, particularly when key receivers were sidelined.
Target Competition
However, a significant portion of Otton’s 2024 production, including three standout games that accounted for 49% of his total fantasy points, occurred when wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were out due to injuries. With a bolstered receiving corps, including the addition of rookie Emeka Egbuka, Otton faces increased competition for targets in 2025. His fantasy outlook suggests he may be a more matchup-dependent player if targets are spread more evenly across the offense.
New Orleans Saints: Organizational Reset
The New Orleans Saints are undergoing a substantial organizational overhaul following a disappointing 5-12 finish in 2024, marking their fourth consecutive season without a playoff appearance. The team lost veteran quarterback Derek Carr to retirement, creating a quarterback competition for 2025 between Spencer Rattler (named the starter), Jake Haener, and second-round pick Tyler Shough. The Saints’ struggles stem from a 2024 season plagued by injuries, inconsistent quarterback play, and a poor offensive line, ultimately leading to a coaching change and Carr’s retirement.
New Leadership
The Saints have brought in new leadership to revitalize the franchise. Kellen Moore, formerly the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, has been appointed as the new head coach, while Brandon Staley takes over as the defensive coordinator. According to Who Dat Dish, the success of Kellen Moore’s new system and the development of their young quarterbacks will be crucial for establishing a new foundation. The team is also grappling with the long-term effects of salary cap management, contributing to a roster that many expect to be among the league’s worst in 2025.
Bryce Young: A Pivotal Season
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, is facing immense pressure in his third NFL season. After a challenging start to his career, including being benched early in 2024, Young finished the season with promising signs of potential. The Panthers have made concerted efforts to bolster their offensive support around Young, adding rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with a top-10 pick and Rico Dowdle to the backfield, alongside an improved offensive line.
Offensive Support
Bryce Young’s early career challenges led the Panthers to significantly invest in offensive weapons and line improvements to provide him with a better supporting cast. The rationale is to give the young signal-caller every opportunity to develop and succeed, capitalizing on the flashes of potential he displayed late in 2024. According to NFL.com, a strong showing could usher in a new era for Carolina, while continued struggles could jeopardize his long-term role as the franchise quarterback.
NFC South: Division Aspirations and Uncertainty
Overall, the NFC South is projected to be a two-horse race between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons for the division title, with the Saints and Panthers working to climb out of the league’s basement. The individual performances and team dynamics surrounding Pitts, Otton, the Saints, and Young will largely shape the narrative of the division in the 2025 season. The ability of each player and team to meet expectations will determine the pecking order in this competitive division.
