Atlanta Falcons 2022 NFL Season Betting Preview (Don't Expect Much in Transition Year)

The Matt Ryan-era is officially over.

After being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons third overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, Ryan led the Falcons to a run of strong seasons, including an NFC Championship and a Super Bowl berth 2016.

Now, he's been traded to the Indianapolis Colts and the Falcons are officially entering a re-building phase. In reality, this year will serve as more of a transition INTO a rebuilding phase, as their salary cap hell will be solved at the end of the season when their dead money comes off the books.

They finished with a 7-10 record in 2021, and you can bank on their win total dropping in 2022. It will be a long road ahead for Falcons fans and bettors.

Let's dive into how the oddsmakers project they'll fare in the upcoming season.

Atlanta Falcons 2022 Offseason Moves and Signings

• Traded QB Matt Ryan to Indianapolis Colts for a third-round selection in 2022 NFL Draft.
• Drafted WR Drake London from USC with their eighth overall pick in 2022 NFL Draft.
• Signed QB Marcus Mariota.
• Drafted QB Desmond Ridder from Cincinnati with 82nd overall pick in 2022 NFL Draft.
• Signed DB Casey Hayward.
• Signed WR Bryan Edwards.
• WR Calvin Ridley suspended one year for betting on NFL games.

Atlanta Falcons 2022 Schedule

According to Sharpfootballanalysis.com, the Falcons have the 10th toughest schedule in the NFL this season.

They start their season off with their NFC South rival, the New Orleans Saints. They'll also face the NFC West, AFC North, and their extra AFC opponent is the Los Angeles Chargers, who they face in Week 9.

Their only prime time game is a Thursday Night Football showdown with the Carolina Panthers in Week 10.

Atlanta Falcons 2022 Win Total Prediction

• OVER 5 Wins (+125)
• UNDER 5 wins (-150)

DraftKings Sportsbook has the Falcons win total set at an even number of 5.0 for the 2022 season. At five wins, it'd be two fewer than what they achieved in 2021.

Let me start with some positives. Their secondary should be in the upper echelon of the NFL. A.J. Terrell has already established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league, and now that they have Casey Heyward to play on the other side, their pass defense will likely be the team's biggest strength.

Also, the Falcons' receiving corps should be decent. Young, but solid. Rookie WR Drake London will pair up with new acquisition Bryan Edwards out wide. Then, they have second-year TE Kyle Pitts, who looks to be living up to his high expectations.

Then, there's the bad. They basically have pylons playing on the defensive line and the interior of their offensive line. They can have the best receivers and defensive backs in the world, but if they don't have anyone who can hold their own on the line, they're doomed before they begin.

Finally, there's the QB situation. Marcus Mariota isn't the answer and neither is rookie Desmond Ridder. The Falcons are likely expecting to have a top pick in next year's draft, and that's where they'll grab their QB of the future.

All of that, paired with their tough schedule, will make it a rough year for Atlanta.

Pick: UNDER 5 Wins (-150)

Atlanta Falcons 2022 Odds to Win NFC South, NFC, and Super Bowl

• To Make the Playoffs: +800
• Odds to Win NFC South: +3500
• Odds to Win NFC: +10000
• Odds to Win Super Bowl 57: +20000

The Falcons have the longest odds to win the NFC, and the second longest odds to win Super Bowl 57, behind only the Houston Texans. What else more is there to say?

The Bucs will remain kings of the NFC South, and even with the extra wild card spot, there's little hope that Atlanta can grab one.

If you're a Falcons fan (like I am), just cheer for someone else this season. Come back to the team next year once they get themselves out of salary cap hell.

Fade them at will.

Follow along with BetSided's picks on Betstamp all season long