From a technical perspective, the Atlanta Falcons have put together a historic offense. They boast a former first round pick at 10 out of the 11 offensive positions. The Falcons finished off the season red hot and there is no denying the talent they host on both sides of the ball. Their biggest issue is putting it all together. Atlanta seems to be caught in a spiral from their loss to the Patriots just a few years ago. But a lot of the key characters still play a prominent role on this squad.
Atlanta Falcons Returning Starters
Offense: 9
Defense: 6
Atlanta Falcons Key Additions
Free Agency
Todd Gurley
In an expected, but still surprising move, the Rams moved on from the former Offensive Player of the Year soon after his extension. Although the 25 year old was entered Year 2 of a 4 year $60 million contract, they were ready to move on. The Falcons picked him up on a 1 year $5.5 million contract with a potential $500,000 bonus. In addition, Devonta Freeman was released earlier in the offseason. Gurley may eat up the lion’s share of the carries, if he can remain healthy.
Hayden Hurst
With the impending departure of Austin Hooper in free agency, the Falcons added another TE through the trade market. They sent a 2nd and 5th round pick in exchange for Hurst and a 4th rounder. Hurst was stashed behind Mark Andrews, who had a breakout year. The new Falcons’ pass catcher will look to have a big season as a key piece in Matt Ryan’s receiver corps.
Dante Fowler
The former Rams pass rusher inked a 3 year $48 million dollar deal. This comes on the heels of a career year from Fowler. The Florida native hit career highs in sacks, tackles, and QB hits. He looks to wreak havoc on a defensive line that features Grady Jarret, and Tak McKinley.
Draft
AJ Terrell
One of my favorite players from last year’s draft. Although he had a poor showing against one of the best WRs in Jamarr Chase in the National Championship, but the talent is there. He looks to be one of the starting CBs on a team that will allow him to be a potential star right away.
Marlon Davidson
The second rounder from Auburn has missed most of training camp with a knee strain. Once he hits the field, the talent is pretty clear and a guy may people really like. Many Falcons’ experts believe he is the perfect partner alongside Grady Jarrett in the middle.
Atlanta Falcons Season Outlook
After a largely disappointing 1-7 start to the season, the Falcons finished off the season strong, winning six out of the last eight and the final four in a row. This push likely saved Dan Quinn’s job, but can it be trusted? Even people who believe in the talent of the Falcons, they are realistically the 3rd best team in the NFC South.
Jeff Benedict from bloggingdirty.com made an interesting case for an Atlanta playoff push. In the 21st century, the Falcons have made the playoffs every presidential election cycle. Including an NFC Championship appearance in three out of the four years. This is not rooted in any fact, but definitely something to look out for this coming season.
Although the Falcons have lost quite a bit of talent in the offseason (Devonta Freeman, Austin Hooper, Vic Beasley) they have picked up pieces at each of those positions to potentially improve. Although they are littered with talent, they seem to struggle to get it done.
Win Total: 7.5
One of the toughest teams to bet on (or against) and this is no exception. If we see 2015 MVP Matt Ryan and Julio Jones continues to act like the top 3 WR he is, there is almost no stopping this team. Unfortunately I think it is too late to stay optimistic on this team. I’d rather be pleasantly surprised than disappointed counting on the Falcons to put it together. UNDER
Fantasy Player to Watch: Hayden Hurst
A lot of people love Calvin Ridley and are projecting him to have a big season. While I think they are probably right, if everyone has the same sleeper, he is not a sleeper anymore.
The Falcons gave up a lot for Hurst and I think they plan to use him as a high value target. Plus, Matt Ryan loves his TEs. Austin Hooper hauled in 70+ passes in the past two seasons in addition to 500+ yards. Plus he is considered TE11 in PPR per fantasypros.com and sports an ADP of 109. (!!)
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