The Atlanta Falcons have not made many drastic changes since their Super Bowl appearance a few years ago and are hoping their core can return to the elite play of years past. Quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones lead the way, but it is the ability of others to step up that will make or break the team in 2019. The current NFL odds have the Falcons as slight underdogs when it comes to making the playoffs this season, but certainly there is enough talent to make it happen. Atlanta is hurt by its placement in the NFC South, which also features the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Falcons odds to make the playoffs
Yes +140
No -170
Falcons Playoff Odds Analysis
The Falcons finished last season at a disappointing 7-9. They missed the playoffs for the first time in three seasons and will aim to get back into that mix this year. Atlanta seems to be comfortably among the contenders for a postseason spot, but is no longer considered an elite NFC team alongside the Saints, Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.
The Falcons play two games apiece this season against the Saints, Panthers and Buccaneers while also matching up against the Vikings, Eagles, Colts, Titans, Texans, Cardinals, Rams, Seahawks, 49ers and Jaguars. It is not an easy slate, which is a reason why the Falcons are less than 50-50 to make the playoffs this year.
Atlanta Falcons Odds
Ryan remains one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL while Jones could be the best at his position. The Falcons added Calvin Ridley to the mix and he could be in line for a big second season, while the return to health of running back Devonta Freeman could be an important development. The Falcons lost running back Tevin Coleman in free agency but Freeman was the more talented of the two and may take on a bigger role. The Falcons went offensive line-heavy in the draft. They chose guard Chris Lindstrom in the first round and added tackle Kaleb McGary in the second. They are hoping to keep Ryan upright and give him ample time to find receivers in 2019. If the offensive line improves the Falcons offense has the potential to be among the best in the NFL.
In order for Atlanta to push for a playoff spot, the defense needs to step up. It was hit hard by injuries last season as both linebacker Deion Jones and safety Keanu Neal missed significant time. If those two stay healthy and the team gets good contributions from cornerback Desmond Trufant and defensive linemen Vic Beasley, Grady Jarrett and Takk McKinley, the defense may be able to turn the corner. The front office has been patient and kept the core of this team together, and it needs to reward that thinking by coming back from a poor 2018 and once again pushing for double-digit wins and a playoff spot.
Key Stats or Trends
The Falcons have dropped from 11 wins to 10 to seven over the past three years. The offense has been in the top-10 in yardage each of those seasons, but the defense has been inconsistent. Atlanta chalks up last year’s issues to injuries and believes better fortunes will result in a turnaround. These are pretty good odds for the Falcons, who have the type of talent to get back on track and push for a spot in the postseason.
The biggest challenge will be the schedule, as Atlanta will certainly earn its berth because there are several upper-tier teams ready to face the Falcons in 2019.
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