The Atlanta Falcons may have experienced the most favorable changes this offseason. After firing head coach Arthur Smith, they hired Raheem Morris, who brought offensive coordinator Zac Robinson with him from Los Angeles. The change in offensive philosophy should be a MASSIVE benefit for the team’s extremely talented skill-position players.
Along with the introduction of Morris and Robinson to the franchise, the Falcons also signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a massive four-year, $180 million deal ($100 million guaranteed). Running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts could become the most exciting trio in the NFC…and arguably the NFL. Add in wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore and running back Tyler Algeier, Atlanta has plenty of offensive weapons.
With the elite potential of their offense, the big question surrounding the Falcons is…can their defense improve enough to allow them to be legitimate contenders in the NFC? They ranked in the top ten of the NFL in passing defense in 2023 but were middle to lower third in rushing defense and scoring. They added five depth pieces via the 2024 NFL Draft, most notably nose tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, edge rusher Bralen Trice, and linebacker JD Bertrand.
After the recent schedule release, can the revamped offense lead the Atlanta Falcons to a deep playoff run?
Atlanta Falcons: Easiest Stretch
The Falcons’ easiest stretch of games will come in their final six games of the season. Starting with a week 13 tilt at home against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Falcons will begin their push toward the playoffs. They follow up with consecutive road games at Minnesota and Las Vegas, who both have questions at quarterback and running back. Then they finish up the regular season at home against the Giants, at Washington, and back at home against the Panthers. A six-game heater to end the season isn’t out of the question. Going 4-2 in that stretch could net them the division crown.
Atlanta Falcons: Toughest Stretch
On the flip side, the Falcons’ toughest stretch comes at the beginning of their schedule. Even though five of their first six games are at home, they will face Dallas, Pittsburgh, at Philly, Kansas City, New Orleans, and Tampa Bay to start the season. If they can come out of that stretch 3-3, they should be set up fairly nicely for the rest of their schedule. Anything better than that should be considered a bonus.
Atlanta Falcons: Important Games
The Falcons most important games will come in weeks five and six and weeks nine and ten when they face the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their divisional home-and-home sets. Any separation away from those two teams would likely occur in their head-to-head matchups, as all three teams could compete for the division.
Overall, the Falcons have the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL according to Sharp Football Analysis. Combine that with the additions of Kirk Cousins and a new offensive scheme, Atlanta is the favorite to win the NFC South division title and could be a dark horse Super Bowl contender out of the NFC.
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About the Author
Tom has been writing about professional wrestling, college football, NFL, and fantasy football for over a decade and is an avid sports fan. He has been known in the fantasy football industry for his dynasty and devy knowledge, but he is also very versed in betting.
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