The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won the NFC South for four straight years, and there's nothing to suggest Todd Bowles' team won't make it five this season.
Armed with an offense that could be considered one of the best in football due to the number of receiving weapons, a superb run game and a good offensive line, coupled with what the Bucs hope is a revamped defense with the additions of Haason Reddick, Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish, things are looking good.
Yes, Atlanta might have something to say about Tampa Bay being favorites, but for NFL.com's Eric Edholm, when looking at the pecking order for the NFC South, it's the Buccaneers and then daylight.
"The Buccaneers didn't seal up the division until Week 18 last season, and they lost their home playoff opener, but I believe there's some real space between them and the South's other three teams," Edholm writes.
"The Bucs could feature one of the best offenses in the NFL in 2025, having added rookie slot receiver Emeka Egbuka to an already-dangerous group, although Tristan Wirfs' injury will sting early in the season. There also is a reasonable case for the defense improving, provided Haason Reddick and the young defensive linemen can help crank up the pass-rush pressure."
Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, Mike Evans
Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, Mike Evans
By Tony Fisher
The offense will be the straw that stirs this team's drink in 2025. They won't have a problem putting up points. But defensively is where things get interesting.
While the unit only allowed 22.6 points per game (ranked 16th), some feel the group needs to stiffen up in the secondary, and with Reddick now plugged in to play alongside Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and Logan Hall, while Yaya Diaby roams around the line of scrimmage, the Buccaneers defense has some bite.
But it needs to show up in the biggest moments.
There's no denying the talent that Bowles' team possesses, but that has to translate into something tangible. No longer is winning the division considered a success for Tampa Bay - playoff wins are the next step.