2026 NFC South season preview: Prediction, record, rosters, strengths and weaknesses

The Post’s Mark Cannizzaro previews the NFC South for the 2026 season.Coach: Todd Bowles2025 record: 8-9 | 2026 O/U: 8.5Key additions: LB Rueben Bain Jr., the team’s top draft pick, led college edge rushers with 83 pressures in 2025.Al-Quadin Muhammad is coming off his best NFL season with 53 total pressures, 21 of which resulted in sacks or quarterback hits.Key departures: WR Mike Evans, LB Lavonte David, RB Rachaad White, T Charlie Heck, DL Logan Hall, G Mike Jordan, CB Jamel Dean.First-and-goal: Baker Mayfield brings stability and leadership to offense at QB, which will be key without Evans.

Defensively, the Bucs should have a big pass rush with depth at edge rusher — Bain, Muhammad and returning Yaya Diaby, who’s produced 132 QB pressures in the past two seasons.Fourth-and-goal: Replacing Evans’ size, toughness and production will be a challenge.Other than DL Vita Vea, the interior defense may be suspect, especially without David, a longtime leader.Prediction: 9-8.

This remains the weakest division in the NFL.Tampa Bay is the best of the mediocre lot.Coach: Dave Canales2025 record: 8-9 | 2026 O/U: 7.5Key additions: Edge Jaelan Phillips generated 76 pressures last season (including playoffs) and earned an impressive 87.9 PFF grade.

LB Devin Lloyd is excellent against the run and in pass coverage, as evidenced by his 5 INTs in 2025 for the Jags.LT Rasheed Walker comes over after four years with the Packers.Key departures: RB Rico Dowdle, WR Hunter Renfrow, DT A’Shawn Robinson, LB Christian Rozeboom, S D’Anthony Bell.First-and-goal: QB Bryce Young comes off his best season with 3,011 passing yards and 23 TDs.

WR Tetairoa McMillan had a terrific rookie season in 2025, targeted by Young a team-high 126 times.The additions of Phillips and Lloyd can’t help but elevate the defense.Fourth-and-goal: Both starting tackles are injured and figure to miss the early part of the season.

LT Ikem Ekwonu is still recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon suff...