2009 Atlanta Falcons Team Preview/Predictions
With NFL football just a short time away, Cappers Picks Football handicappers have been hard at work putting out the team by team NFL previews for those of us who can’t wait. Bet on the Super Bowl winner, plus Conference and Divisional winners. What are you waiting for use our insider knowledge today to gamble on all the NFL Football Futures in our top online sportsbooks today.
2008 Record: 11-5
ATS: 9-7
The Atlanta Falcons were one of the biggest surprises in 2008 but the optimism isn’t carrying over into 2009. While no one is suggesting that the Falcons will fall off the face of the Earth, not many people are suggesting that they will do as good – or better – than their 11-5 record last year.
For one, the Falcons will face a much stiffer schedule in 2009. Their slated opponents have a .588 winning percentage, which is fourth-toughest in the NFL.
But believe whether you’re a Dirty Bird optimist or skeptic, the truth is that the Falcons are a better team this year.
Starting quarterback Matt Ryan will be entering his second season in the league and everyone took note of what kind of damage he did as a rookie. He’ll have a nice new weapon in tight end Tony Gonzalez, who provides another Pro Bowl threat to an offense that already had two (Michael Turner and Roddy White).
While the Falcons offense will be steady, where the team needs to improve is on defense.
With former defensive coordinator Mike Smith running the show in Atlanta, the Falcons defense overachieved last year. They showed a certain toughness that they lacked in previous year. But for this team to take the next step, though, some playmakers will have to emerge.
Defensive end John Abraham is a stud when healthy but he’s arguably the only consistent playmaker on this defense. The Falcons are hoping that first-round pick Peria Jerry can join him but former first-day picks like end Jamaal Anderson, linebacker Curtis Lofton and cornerback Chris Houston are all solid but unspectacular playmakers.
It’s pretty clear that the Falcons offense is much further ahead than the defense. If some studs emerge on defense, this team has the potential to win the NFC but what is closer to reality is that the Falcons finish with 10 wins and a second consecutive playoff berth.
Super Bowl Odds: +1850
Conference Odds: +1300
NFC South Odds: +220
2009 Falcons Predictions
Place they’ll finish in NFC South: 2nd
Place they’ll finish in NFC Conference: 6th
Over/Under Season Wins Prediction: Over 8.5
JOIN BET PHOENIX SPORTSBOOK TODAY – GRAB A 35% FREE PLAY BONUS WHEN YOU CLICK HERE NOW AND TELL THEM CAPPERSPICKS.COM SENT YOU!!!
(Min. Deposit $1,ooo.) (Max $600 Free Play)
Dave Golokhov has written for BETUS Sportsbook, Sportsfanmagazine.com, FOX, Askmen.com, Sports-central.org, and the FOXSports.com Funhouse.
3 replies on “2009 Atlanta Falcons Odds | Preview | Picks”
The Falcons have a very good chance to win the NFC South as they may be the most complete team in this division. The addition of Tony Gonzalez at TE will be a huge help to QB Matt Ryan’s develpoment.
Atlanta slides this year but no shame in that. Turner is the real deal but the Atlanta offense isn’t as dangerous as they appeared last season. No suprising anyone this season and Matt Ryan will struggle some in his somphmore season. The defense is questionable and enthusiasm only goes so far. 4th in the NFC South.
I also believe that the Falcons will take a step back this year and will battle for a Wild Card, but not the division. They are not gonna catch anyone off guard this year and the schedule is some kind of tough. Expectations could be the birds’ worst enemy this year.