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Atlanta Falcons2009 record: 9-7 (Second in NFC South)
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Vic Carucci
In his third year as a starting QB, Matt Ryan should take his game to an even higher level. Michael Turner is ready for a big season.
Prediction: 10-6, first in NFC South
Steve Wyche
Led by Matt Ryan, the offense is going to pile up points. The defense could be much improved, but the line remains a question mark.
Prediction: 11-5, first in NFC South
Pat Kirwan
With upgraded secondary that now includes Dunta Robinson, and Matt Ryan set to take big step, Falcons ready to challenge Saints.
Prediction: 11-5, first in NFC South
Bucky Brooks
The Falcons win the NFC South behind a dynamic offense anchored by the air-ground combination of Matt Ryan and Michael Turner.
Prediction: 11-5, first in NFC South
Jason La Canfora
Questions surround the D and if Dunta Robinson can solve DB woes. Offense can't have such horrible injury luck again this season, can it?
Prediction: 10-6, second in NFC South
Michael Lombardi
Falcons are explosive, but must get the Michael Turner of 2008. Their defense will be good at home, but can they play well on the road?
Prediction: 9-7, second in NFC South
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GM Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith's years with Atlanta. They originally set out on a three-year plan, and while the first two years went better than many analysts expected, this is the first time in the Dimitroff/Smith era that the Falcons have title expectations.
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Jamaal Anderson
The former first-rounder has been viewed as a bust due to his failure to consistently produce impact plays throughout his three-year career. A move to defensive tackle has invigorated Anderson, however. While the jury is still out on whether he can play at a high level as an interior defender, the Falcons are holding out hope that he can emerge as a quality starter. Michael Turner
The anchor of the Falcons' offense possesses an excellent combination of speed, power and explosiveness as a runner. He excels at gaining tough yardage between the tackles, and his physical style sets the tone for the offense. While injuries forced Turner to miss five games a season ago, he reported to camp in outstanding shape and has shown flashes of recapturing the big-play form that made him a Pro Bowler in 2008.
Ryan is worth it
Matt Ryan's mediocre 2009 numbers might have some fantasy owners wondering about his potential at the NFL level. That could make him one of the best draft bargains in the league. He should improve with two seasons under his belt and could develop into a fantasy starter in 2010.
Three pivotal games
Sept. 26 at New Orleans
The Falcons played the reigning division and Super Bowl champs close in two games last season, but lost both contests. Had Atlanta won those two matchups it would have claimed the NFC South title. The Falcons' first chance to show the Saints they are ready to overtake them this year comes at the Superdome in Week 3.
Nov. 11 vs. Baltimore
This will be the Falcons' first 2010 appearance on national television (Thursday night on NFL Network) and gives them a chance to show they are not only a contender in the NFC South, but are also one of the league's elite teams. In order to do so they must beat the Ravens. And oh yeah, Matt Ryan vs. Joe Flacco should be interesting.
Nov. 28 vs. Green Bay
Many analysts expect the Packers to be a major threat in the NFC, and the Falcons will have another opportunity to show their wares in this Week 12 tilt. The game comes between two road games against the Rams and Bucs, both of whom are coming off last place finishes and feature young quarterbacks. Atlanta's defense will likely get a much bigger test vs. Aaron Rodgers.
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