The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints are the best teams in the NFC South, and next season will determine which team will be crowned as the division king.

Both franchises have dominated the division for eight straight years. The Saints era lasted from 2017 to 2020, as they were a perennial 11-plus-win team. The Buccaneers' reign started in 2021 with Tom Brady leading the charge and ended in 2025.

Tampa Bay was cruising to its fifth straight division title to start the year with a 6-2 record, but injuries derailed the momentum. Every position group lost stars to injury: Mike Evans for the wide receivers, Bucky Irving for the running backs and Calijah Kancey for the defensive tackles.

It led to an abysmal 2-7 finish to the season, and the Carolina Panthers took home. The NFC South was decided by a tiebreaker. The Panthers had a better record against division opponents, backed by their series sweep against the Atlanta Falcons.

With a revamped roster that is free of injuries, the Buccaneers are aiming to crown themselves as kings of the NFC South and reclaim their dominance. They have a new offensive coordinator in Zac Robinson, who should revitalize quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Mayfield regressed from his 4,500-yard and 45-touchdown career year in 2024. He dealt with his fair share of lingering issues, but he couldn't carry a depleted roster, even as talented as he is.

Tampa Bay's franchise quarterback threw for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last year. Still an impressive stat line for Mayfield, but it's clear he wasn't at his best.

Robinson's spread offense should bring him back to the 4,000-yard thrower he's been in a Buccaneers uniform. He is the engine of the team's offense, making them explosive and difficult to contain.

It shouldn't be an impossible task for Tampa Bay to retake the NFC South in 2026. The Falcons are working out their starting quarterback battle between 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, and the Saints are in the midst of a rebuild and haven't had a winning season since 2023. The Panthers may be a formidable foe with the additions of linebacker Devin Lloyd and edge rusher Jaelen Phillips.

The Buccaneers have the talent to win their fifth division title in six years, and crown themselves as NFC South kings until the Saints or Panthers -- who have six -- tie them.

Ultimately, Tampa Bay is relying on health rather than talent to reclaim the division that was in its hands for four straight seasons.

Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!