Former Panthers OL Blasts Atlanta Falcons As NFC South Favorites

Despite the Falcons not winning a division crown since 2016, Atlanta is the favorite to finish the 2024 season at the top of the NFC South.

Draft Kings currently lists the Falcons at -130 to complete that feat, with Tampa Bay (+300), New Orleans (+340) and Carolina (+1100) rounding out the division.

Not everyone is a fan of Atlanta's preseason hype, though, specifically nine-year NFL veteran Geoff Schwartz.

"Everyone is going to pick them to win the South this year. Did we forget like Tampa won the South last year? I feel like people are giving Atlanta the division pretty easily without sort of at least looking at Tampa Bay and being like. That team won nine games last year and won the division and returns a lot of good football players."

Feb 5, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Raheem Morris address the media after being introduced as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Buccaneers have won the division the last three seasons following a four-year run by the Saints.

Atlanta's schedule is ranked as the easiest in the league. Schwartz believes that isn't enough to expect Raheem Morris' first season in Atlanta to go so seamlessly.

I feel like we’re giving the Falcons way too much love for the division and the opponents that they’re playing. Like people are just kind of penciling in them, maybe Sharpieing in them to win the South. I feel like it’s going to be a little tougher than just giving them the Sharpie right now."