In 2015, two teams from both the NFC South (New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and West (Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks) ranked in the top five in total offense, arguably making them two of the most explosive offensive divisions in the league. But a new chapter has begun as we head toward the kickoff of the 2016 campaign, and a lot of changes have been made to NFL rosters -- from retirements to draft selections and offseason signings to suspensions.
As we survey the offenses of all 32 teams, which is the best offensive division in 2016?
Going through the rest of the NFC South ...
Saints QB
Drew Brees is one of the best at moving in the pocket and throwing the ball downfield, as the only signal caller in history to boast multiple 5,000-yard seasons. The
Falcons have always been a team that can rack up yards and points with quarterback
Matt Ryan.
Mohamed Sanu, acquired in free agency, will be a fine complement to
Julio Jones. Atlanta should be have a good, balanced offense, with
Devonta Freeman and the run game. At the bottom of this division, the
Buccaneers aren't too shabby. QB
Jameis Winston is coming into his own and has a lot of weapons to work with, and
Doug Martin re-signed after a stellar season.
Getting Ryan Fitzpatrick back is huge for the
New York Jets, especially after he threw a franchise-record 31 touchdowns a season ago.
Eric Decker and
Brandon Marshall comprise
one of the best WR duos in football, especially in the red zone, while
Matt Forte will make big waves in the run and pass game. In Miami, Adam Gase can take this team a long way. After all, he once commanded an offense that threw for 55 touchdowns in a season. (Yes, it was with Peyton Manning at QB, but still -- 55 TDs is a stunning figure.)
The
Saints are always problematic because Sean Payton is arguably the best play caller in football. He puts
Drew Brees in position to attack, and we've seen the results throughout their time together. That division rounds out with a Tampa Bay squad that is on the upswing.