5 bold predictions for Atlanta Falcons in 2020

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 29: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 29: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images /

2. Matt Ryan will throw for 5,000 yards

The Falcons would love to have a balanced offense, but their offseason isn’t going to meaningfully strengthen their run game in 2020. That means the lion’s share of the offense will still need to be produced by Ryan through the air.

Last year he threw for just a shade under 4,500 yards in 15 games. If he can stay healthy for the full campaign this season, he should blow past that number. The former Boston College star still has a ton of offensive weapons, even after Hooper’s offseason departure.

Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley still combine to be one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the NFL. They don’t get the same amount of press as some of their peers, but defensive coaches in the NFC South understand just how tough they are to cover.

The only question about Ryan’s production this season is whether the Falcons can come up with enough secondary weapons to keep opponents from zeroing in on their wide receivers. The franchise’s track record is pretty strong in that department. Look for Ryan to eclipse the 5,000-yard passing mark with relative ease.