Atlanta Falcons 2018-19 - NFL Season Preview & Future Odds Predictions

The Atlanta Falcons were 10-6 in 2017 even though they suffered a slight hangover from losing the Super Bowl the previous February and losing Kyle Shanahan their offensive coordinator to the 49ers. The Falcons are expected to contend again this season for the NFC South with one of the most balanced teams in franchise history. However, success will lie in how well offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian develops an NFL offense. Following an historic run during 2016 the Falcons offense dipped in production in Sarkisian’s first season. The team ended eighth in total offense, but struggled to convert above average yardage of 364.5 per game into points, as they were average at 15th in the NFL in scoring 22.1 points per game. Quarterback Matt Ryan returns following a season of 4,095 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The two-headed running attack of Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman scared opposing defenses on the ground as well as through the air and should do so again this season. Two new fullbacks will compete to block for Coleman and Freeman. Calvin Ridley a top draft pick at wide receiver from Alabama will make the already strong duo of Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu even scarier. Jones arrives at preseason healthy and can take time get into sync with Ryan. Austin Hooper the starting tight end will be more involved when the team reaches the red zone. The offensive line has a new guard in Brandon Fusco who signed from the 49ers. Left tackle is solid with Jake Matthews holding down the fort and Andy Levitre at left guard will have added incentive to play better since his contract ends after the season.

Defensively the line is transitioning, as Dontari Poe their nose tackle has left, while edge rusher Adrian Clayborn appears to be not as important as younger players like Takk McKinley in the 4-3. McKinley played well his rookie year ending with six sacks and will take time from Clayborn. Vic Beasley was the NFL leader in sacks in 2016 and returns to his preferred position on the edge. Grady Jarrett and Deadrin Senat will be on the inside of the line, with Jack Crawford. The linebackers unit will be anchored by Deion Jones with De’Vondre Campbell on the edge. The weak side linebacker spot will be a battle between incumbent Duke Riley and Kemal Ishmael. The secondary will have Keanu Neal at safety and Ricardo Allen at free safety with Robert Alford and Desmond Trufant starting at the corners.