Although the NFC South is looked at as one of the more wide open divisions in the NFL, the Carolina Panthers – coming off consecutive first-place finishes – are largely considered the favorite by many.

And EA Sports agrees.

The Panthers are rated 80 overall as a team for the upcoming Madden NFL 16, ahead of the New Orleans Saints (78), Atlanta Falcons (77) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (74).

Here’s what EA Sports thinks of the Panthers:

The Panthers won the NFC South (and a playoff game) with a 7-8-1 record last year, their second straight division crown. QB Cam Newton (90 OVR) enters year five with a couple of great targets in TE Greg Olsen (92 OVR) and second-year WR Kelvin Benjamin (86 OVR). HB Jonathan Stewart (84 OVR) is healthy, and the clear starter for the first time in his career. For the defensive front seven, MLB Luke Kuechly (96 OVR), LOLB Thomas Davis (90 OVR), LE Charles Johnson (89 OVR), and 2nd-year man DT Star Lotulelei (88 OVR) are standouts. CB Charles Tillman (81 OVR) is a quality new addition.

Despite being first for its division, Carolina is seventh overall in the NFC in team rating.

