Fansided

Power rankings and record predictions

By Matt Verderame

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 20: Julio Jones
JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 20: Julio Jones /

29. Atlanta Falcons

Folks in Atlanta are going to be enraged at where their Falcons are being placed on this list, but it’s a reality. The team has done little to get better after missing the playoffs again in 2015, making one wonder how long general manager Thomas Dimitroff is going to stick around.

Atlanta went to the NFC Championship game in 2012, losing 28-24 at the Georgia Dome. Since then, the Falcons have been a steady decline and frankly, there is no end to the slide in sight. Atlanta still has a non-existent pass rush and outside of Desmond Trufant, the secondary is abysmal.

The offense has a superstar in Julio Jones and a good quarterback in Matt Ryan, but the rest of the cast is motley. Devonta Freeman came roaring out of the gates to start last season but trailed off considerably throughout the final eight games, never hitting 90 rushing yards. Even worse, Freeman failed to hit four yards per carry in any of the last seven affairs when carrying the ball at least four times.

Facing the AFC and NFC West divisions is not helping the cause for second-year head coach Dan Quinn. The former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator is facing an uphill battle, and the road is icy.

Record prediction: 4-12

Next: No. 28 Philadelphia Eagles