NFL: Projecting final records for all 32 teams
By Brad Rowland
Atlanta Falcons
Everything went wrong for the 2013 Atlanta Falcons. Quarterback Matt Ryan was upright for the entire season (certainly a plus), but he saw the majority of his skill position players (Steven Jackson, Roddy White, Julio Jones) on the sideline with injury for large chunks of the season, and he played behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. However, the 2014 edition should be much stronger up front, and the skill players are ready to roll.
White and Jones form one of the best one-two punches at wide receiver in the entire league, and even if Jackson falters as his age increases, the stable is full with Jacquizz Rodgers and rookie Devonta Freeman poised to receive meaningful work. On the offensive line, the Falcons inked free agent guard Jon Asamoah and drafted offensive tackle Jake Matthews in the top-10, solidifying that crew, and defensively, things should be much improved after some high-profile additions that include DT Paul Soliai from the Dolphins and DE Tyson Jackson from the Chiefs.
Atlanta is a classic example of a star-laden team without a tremendous amount of depth, but as long as they keep somebody healthy, they will compete in the NFC South.
The Pick: 9-7