NFL Predictions: Will Falcons suffer Super Bowl hangover? 8/16/17
How many games will the Atlanta Falcons win in 2017? Will they suffer a Super Bowl hangover? Let’s dive into their season projection.
The Odds
After winning 11 games in 2017, the Falcons’ over/under for wins this upcoming NFL season has been set at 9.5. According to oddsmakers, Atlanta is also 13/1 to win the Super Bowl in 2018. The Falcons have 6/1 odds to repeat as NFC Conference Champions and are 9/5 to repeat as NFC South Division champs.
Falcons Offseason
Atlanta’s biggest signing this offseason was only a one year contract for former Chiefs defensive tackle Dontari Poe. He should start along a defensive line that also features 2017 Super Bowl stud Grady Jarrett. Atlanta also signed former Cowboy defensive lineman Jack Crawford and re-signed pass-rusher Courtney Upshaw.
Offensively, the Falcons re-signed Matt Schaub to back up Matt Ryan and re-signed tight end Levine Toilolo as well. Former Seattle fullback Derrick Coleman was signed following the departure of Patrick DiMarco, who inked a deal with the Bills.
Falcons’ 2017 Draft
Atlanta traded up in the first round this year to land UCLA pass-rusher Takkarist McKinley. The team parted with their second round pick but in the third, the Falcons took LSU linebacker Duke Riley. Sean Harlow, Damonae Kazee, Brian Hill and Eric Saubert will serve as depth.
Our Prediction
The biggest concern regarding the Falcons in 2017 is whether or not they’ll suffer a Super Bowl loss. Personally, I believe Atlanta is too talented to collapse. Dan Quinn’s defense was on the rise in the second half last year and is loaded with talent, from 2016 sack leader Vic Beasley, to linebacker Deion Jones, Jarrett, Desmond Trufant, Keanu Neal and Robert Alford. This is one of the youngest, fastest, and most aggressive defense in the NFL.
As for the offense, Kyle Shanahan is gone but Ryan, Devonta Freeman, Julio Jones, Tevin Coleman, Mohamed Sanu and rising tight end Austin Hooper all return. The offensive line is mostly intact as well, including stalwarts Alex Mack and Jake Matthews. This team isn’t going to collapse and I like them to win at least 10 games.
NFL Preseason Predictions: Atlanta Falcons over 9.5 wins
