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When you consider that there are no real runaways in this division and the Atlanta Falcons are one of the biggest surprises of this season, anything can happen here. Odds to win the 2008 NFC South include a payout potential of nearly $1000 for every $100 bet if the Falcons are to win (which they truly can) and just over $1000 if the Saints win at Bookmaker.com
The Carolina Panthers would pay $125 for every $100 bet and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would pay $175.
Atlanta Falcons - They have a simple formula that's been working for them. Coach Mike Smith and his staff can't deviate from what's been a narrowly tailored plan for success. Carefully crafted game plans have allowed them to jump on teams in the first quarter and then hold on for victory.
The Falcons have outscored the opposition 68-14 in the first quarter. Against Oakland, they opened a 24-0 first-half lead by scoring on their first four possessions.
"That says a lot about what we are doing as a coaching staff in preparing our players," Smith said. "I think our guys are coming out and executing in the first quarter of the ball games."
Carolina Panthers - The Panthers are expected to begin flexing their muscles in the run game.
Carolina's next three opponents are Oakland (30th against the run), Detroit (31st) and Atlanta (22nd), which means DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will have a chance to shine. Williams for certain; Stewart if he's able to overcome a heel injury.
It helps too that the Panthers should have all of their horses back on the offensive line this week.
The Panthers come into the game ranked 13th in the league in rushing but expect to get right tackle Jeff Otah and center Ryan Kalil back this week.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Bucs are in a good position at 6-3 to make a run at the playoffs. But they will have to improve on offense to be a playoff contender.
Tampa Bay has struggled scoring points, particularly touchdowns in the red zone. The Bucs have 12 TDs in 35 trips inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
Turnovers have been the problem. The Bucs have lost three fumbles in their last three games in the red zone.
But considering the mounting list of injuries, the Bucs have done well to keep pace in the NFC South with the Carolina Panthers.
New Orleans Saints - Also riddled by injuries early on in the season, this team should start to become more healthy. But going into Sunday's key game with the Atlanta Falcons (5-3) in the Georgia Dome, they are in last place in the NFC South and are in need of another win to tighten up the division race a little.
Marry Montgomery, Gambling911.com
