The Atlanta Falcons, who finished last season with a 7-10 record, have high expectations for the upcoming season after six consecutive losing years. Owner Arthur Blank made significant investments in the team and is anticipating a return to the playoffs. The Falcons made coaching changes by firing Arthur Smith and bringing in Raheem Morris, a former Tampa Bay coach and long-time NFL assistant. Quarterback Kirk Cousins was a major acquisition, signing a lucrative four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed, to address the team’s quarterback issues.
New additions to the Falcons roster include head coach Raheem Morris, QB Kirk Cousins, Edge Matthew Judon, S Justin Simmons, QB Michael Penix Jr., WR Darnell Mooney, WR Ray-Ray McCloud III, and NT Ruke Orhorhoro. On the flip side, key losses for the team include QB Desmond Ridder, WR Mack Hollins, Edge Bralen Trice, TE Jonnu Smith, RB Cordarrelle Patterson, DE Calais Campbell, OLB Bud Dupree, CB Jeff Okudah, and a fifth-round draft pick in the 2025 draft due to tampering during negotiations with Cousins.
The team boasts strengths in their safeties, offensive line, and playmakers like TE Kyle Pitts, RB Bijan Robinson, and WR Drake London. The Falcons’ defense is expected to improve with the addition of Edge Matthew Judon and the return of Grady Jarrett. Kicker Younghoe Koo is considered one of the league’s most reliable kickers. Weaknesses for the Falcons include their historically weak pass rush, thin receiving group beyond London, and the need for more production from their receiving corps.
In training camp, Kirk Cousins focused on recovering from an Achilles tendon injury and expressed readiness for the upcoming season. The Falcons were impressed with pass rusher Bralen Trice before he got injured, leading to the acquisition of Matthew Judon. Wide receiver Rondale Moore, another newcomer, suffered a season-ending knee injury during camp.
Fantasy players might want to keep an eye on Kyle Pitts with Kirk Cousins at quarterback, as Pitts could return to his Pro Bowl form from his rookie season. The BetMGM Sportsbook gives the Falcons odds of 35-1 to win the Super Bowl, with an over/under of 9 1/2 wins for the season.
