Buccaneers to reclaim NFC South crown in 2026, predicts Fox Sports panel
Fox Sports analysts forecast a return to form for Tampa Bay, while questioning whether the Carolina Panthers’ 2025 title run was an anomaly.
With the first week of the 2026 National Football League season imminent, a panel of Fox Sports analysts has projected a return to traditional power dynamics within the NFC South. The "First Things First" crew, comprising Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Danny Parkins, reached a unanimous consensus that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will finish atop the division. This prediction marks a significant shift from the previous season, when the Carolina Panthers unexpectedly secured the division title, ending a four-year streak of dominance by Tampa Bay.
The panel’s assessment of the Carolina Panthers suggests a potential regression to form. Both Wright and Broussard predicted the Panthers would finish last in the division, citing concerns regarding the consistency of quarterback Bryce Young. Wright noted that Young’s 2025 performance bore a resemblance to his second year, suggesting the team’s success may have been an outlier. Broussard echoed this sentiment, arguing that while Young showed improvement, he had not yet reached the level of excellence required to sustain a top-tier finish.
Despite the scepticism surrounding Carolina, the panel highlighted the Atlanta Falcons as a dark horse for the 2026 campaign. Wright identified Atlanta as a "deep sleeper" with the potential to secure a playoff berth with nine wins. He pointed to the talent of running back Bijan Robinson and the strategic acumen of new head coach Kevin Stefanski as key drivers for this optimism. Broussard also acknowledged the Falcons’ roster depth, though he raised concerns about the durability of the team’s quarterback options, noting that both candidates have been injury-prone.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ projected return to the top is underpinned by both defensive reinforcements and quarterback motivation. Wright cited the addition of rookie pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr., alongside the return of Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, as factors that will bolster the team’s front seven. He also expressed doubt that the departure of wide receiver Mike Evans in free agency would have the detrimental impact some observers expect. Broussard added that quarterback Baker Mayfield’s contract situation provides an additional layer of motivation for the team heading into the season.
The predictions reflect a broader institutional view that the NFC South is entering a period of recalibration. While the Panthers’ 2025 victory disrupted the established hierarchy, the analysts believe the Buccaneers’ roster construction and coaching stability position them to reclaim the division. The Falcons, meanwhile, are seen as the most likely challenger, with their new coaching regime and offensive talent offering a credible threat to the division leaders.
As the season begins, the focus will turn to whether Bryce Young can validate the Panthers’ 2025 success or if the team will struggle to maintain its momentum. For the Buccaneers, the challenge lies in translating their defensive upgrades and quarterback motivation into a consistent winning record. The panel’s consensus suggests that while the division remains competitive, the balance of power is shifting back towards Tampa Bay.
