2013 Atlanta Falcons Preview

2013 Atlanta Falcons

We are on to the NFC South, which, in my opinion, is the best division in the entire league top to bottom. The NFC West is more top heavy, and even though St. Louis and Arizona are pretty good, the South is the only division where each team could realistically win 11 or 12 games (not at the same time) and no scenario would be surprising. At the top of this division, though, is the team I am talking about today, the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons seem to have FINALLY broken through last year, finishing 13-3 and winning a playoff game. Atlanta’s playoff ride last year was exactly that; they should have beaten Seattle in round two easily, then should have lost after choking away a huge lead, then miraculously beat the Seahawks with a last second field goal, then came one play away from beating the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, which would have gotten them to the Super Bowl. Matt Ryan had a fantastic season, and like Joe Flacco last year, is playing for a new contract. Ryan is already the best quarterback in Atlanta’s history, and he deserves whatever money the Falcons give him. The Falcons brought in Steven Jackson to be their new starting running back, which is a great upgrade and a potentially championship-winning acquisition. Jackson will be a legitimate candidate to rack up 1,000 yards and 10 TDs minimum this year, to go along with 40-50 receptions. S-Jax has never played on a championship contender and should be able to revive his career. Tony Gonzalez is back for (maybe) one more year, and Ryan still has his dynamic duo of wide receivers in Roddy White and Julio Jones. I love Jones this year; he finally has taken the torch from Roddy to be the top receiver, and I think he is line for a huge year, starting in Week One. The defense is arguably the best in the division, and they added Osi Umenyiora to the defense line to rush the passer. Atlanta has solid linebackers and good corners in Asante Samuel and rookie Desmond Trufant. The Falcons are ready to win right now, and should win this division. For the last few weeks I’ve thought that Tampa Bay might give Atlanta a run for their money, but I trust Matt Ryan much more than Josh Freeman. We’ll see.

Schedule

The Falcons have a murderous schedule, as they have to play the NFC West along with the Packers, Redskins, and the teams in their division. Their only break is that they play the AFC East, including the Patriots at home, so they should be able to go 4-0 in those games. Their toughest stretch is in November when they play their three division rivals along with Seattle. Atlanta should be able to hit the ground running, and we’ll get a clue of how this division will shake out right away, as the Falcons’ first game is in New Orleans, who has Sean Payton back on the sidelines.

Week 1: W at NO (Julio Jones will go crazy, like 175 yards and 2 TDs)

Week 2: W vs STL

Week 3: L at MIA

Week 4: W vs NE

Week 5: W vs NYJ (why is this on MNF, it will be like 45-6)

Week 6: Bye

Week 7: W vs TB

Week 8: W at ARI

Week 9: L at CAR

Week 10: L vs SEA (REVENGE!!!!!!!!)

Week 11: L at TB

Week 12: W vs NO

Week 13: W at BUF

Week 14: W at GB (Matt Ryan best game of the year)

Week 15: W vs WAS

Week 16: L at SF

Week 17: W vs CAR

I think that Atlanta will be very streaky this year, starting the season 6-1, then losing three in a row, before finishing the regular season 5-1. This would result in the Falcons finishing 2013 with an 11-5 record, even though they have talent beyond that. I don’t see a way any team can win at least 12 games with the schedule that includes the NFC South and NFC West. 11 wins sets the bar very high in a brutally talented division. I think Steven Jackson will be pretty good, with about 1,200 total yards and 10 touchdowns. They'll ration his touches to save him for the playoffs.

Bold Prediction: Julio Jones will be a top five fantasy receiver this year, with 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns.