One bold prediction for each NFC team in 2020

Atlanta Falcons-Dan Quinn will be the first coach fired

The Falcons are the biggest losers in Tom Brady’s decisions to take his talents to Tampa Bay. That moves Atlanta from a solid second spot in the NFC South all the way down to a probably third-place finish.

Not securing a playoff bid in 2020 will almost certainly be enough to cost Quinn his job. The prediction here goes one big step forward. The Falcons are going to struggle to stop anyone out of the gate and that’s going to cause Atlanta’s ownership to lose patience at a staggering rate.

The end result is that Quinn is going to be the first NFL coach to receive his pink slip. Ironically, a change in coaching could help get Atlanta back in the race for a Wild Card berth if the front office doesn’t want too long to wield the ax.

Carolina Panthers-Brian Burns will notch 12 sacks

There weren’t many bright spots for the Panthers defense in 2019, but the explosive plays of Burns did raise a few eyebrows around the NFL. Carolina’s new coaching staff is hoping Burns can add more consistency to his game in 2020.

If that happens, his production is going to skyrocket. He deserves a lot of credit for notching 7.5 sacks as a rookie. Upping that number to 12 or more would make him a budding superstar. Burns raising his game to that level is one of the best things that can happen for the Panthers this season.