Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan is the youngest Quarterback who has a realistic shot of ending the year as a top 5 player at his position. A rapid maturation from a stand-out college career has garnered Ryan a great deal of attention and respect. With a supporting cast that just keeps getting better, the Falcons could feature in the playoffs this year as Division Champions, but that is no lock. The NFC South – a division with a history of topsy-turvy results from year-to-year – is arguably the best division in football, with three of the four teams (the Falcons, Saints and Buccaneers) playoff-calibre teams. Even the Panthers could be competitive, which will make it hard to get out of this group any other way but topping the charts – Chicago and the Giants look good for Wild Cards. The Saints are the main contenders and Tampa Bay is highly regarded and a real sleeper candidate for the Division title.

The recurring neck injury of Peyton Manning may affect the perennial superstar’s ability to cling to a top five spot, and Ryan is primed to elevate his stock with a solid year, made all the more promising by the development of the Falcons receiving corps. A fast and talented team with a coach that feels more integrated with his players than many others, benefits greatly from having such youth and flair at the most important position. Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Aaron Rogers and Phillip Rivers will all feature in end of year discussions for offensive MVP, but Ryan and Houston’s Matt Schaub could find themselves in the mix if their similarly built units make use of their resources.

I love everything about the Falcons, but I have a sinking feeling when it comes to this season. The Buccaneers are capable of taking games off anyone this year, but may flounder down the stretch. The Saints look to bounce back after last year’s humiliating, but predictable loss to the 7-9 Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs and the Buccaneers are capable of taking games off anyone this year, but may flounder down the stretch. The Saints look to bounce back after last year’s humiliating, but predictable loss to the 7-9 Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs and I think they will atone for mistakes made by edging this tight division.

Verdict: Tough division means they may finish with a deceptively poor record. 11-5 should take the division, but I see the Falcons missing out for no good reason. (10-6)


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