Atlanta Falcons 2019 Season Preview - NFL Picks & Predictions

The Atlanta Falcons are at a major crossroads, after collapsing in the Super Bowl in 2016 and failing to reach the postseason last year. Atlanta QB Matt Ryan threw for close to 5,000 yards and 35 touchdowns a season ago, but continues to come up short when the team needs him most. WR Julio Jones (1,677 rec yds) continues to be in the discussion as the top receiver in football.

Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn wants to run the ball behind a rebuilt offensive line, featuring rookie G Chris Lindstrom and C Alex Mack. With RB Tevin Coleman lost in free agency, expect the Falcons to lean heavily on Devonta Freeman (865 rush yds).

For Atlanta to return to the postseason in 2019, they will have to address the many holes that they had on a defense that ranked 28th in yards allowed. Injuries played a major part to Atlanta’s struggles on the defensive side of the ball and having a healthy Deion Jones will be huge. Jones signed a four-year, $57 million dollar contract extension and is a linebacker that can play sideline-to-sideline.

The Falcons played much of last season without starting safeties Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen. Their return should help shore up a pass defense that allowed 260 yards a game a season ago.