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5 Early Predictions for the Atlanta Falcons’ Season

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5 Early Predictions for the Atlanta Falcons Season

Dan Quinn Atlanta Falcons Head Coach
Dale Zanine – USA TODAY Sports

It’s not often that the final game of the season decides whether a team will be in the playoffs, or picking in the top ten. That was the case this past season for the Atlanta Falcons, a team that ended up going 6-10 despite almost winning the NFC South. The team has added a new head coach in Dan Quinn, and they are about to start a new chapter in their franchise’s history. With that in mind, here’s five early predictions for the team’s season.

5. Jalen Collins Will Start Week 1

Jalen Collins Atlanta Falcons Rookie Starter
Dale Zanine – USA TODAY Sports

5. Jalen Collins Will Start Week 1

Jalen Collins Atlanta Falcons Rookie Starter
Dale Zanine – USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons didn’t spend a second round draft pick on Jalen Collins to have him be a backup. Collins has the talent to start immediately. He will likely move into a starting role over Robert Alford, who is best suited as a nickel corner. Collins should thrive in Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme despite having limited starting experience at LSU. He and Desmond Trufant could develop into one of the top cornerback tandems in the NFL.

4. Tevin Coleman Will Total Over 1,000 Yards

Tevin Coleman Atlanta Falcons Running Back
Dale Zanine – USA TODAY Sports

4. Tevin Coleman Will Total Over 1,000 Yards

Tevin Coleman Atlanta Falcons Running Back
Dale Zanine – USA TODAY Sports

I think Tevin Coleman will also be a Week 1 rookie starter for the Falcons, and his impact on the team could be huge. Coleman will be able to function as the team’s featured back, and he should be able to rush for at least 800 yards. He will also factor in to the passing game, and when it’s all said and done, he should have over 1,000 yards during his rookie season. The team will love utilizing his game breaking speed and elusiveness.

3. The Falcons Will Have a Top Five Offense

Matt Ryan Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl
Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports

3. The Falcons Will Have a Top Five Offense

Matt Ryan Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl
Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons were a threat to be a top passing offense before upgrading their running game. Their pass offense will thrive with Julio Jones and Roddy White once again set to carry the team. However, they have added more weaponry with Justin Hardy, Leonard Hankerson and Jacob Tamme all joining the team this offseason. With those additions and their improved running game, the Falcons should be one of the NFL's top five offenses.

2. Vic Beasley Will Be the Defensive Rookie of the Year

Vic Beasley Atlanta Falcons Rookie
Dennis Wierzbicki – USA TODAY Sports

2. Vic Beasley Will Be the Defensive Rookie of the Year

Vic Beasley Atlanta Falcons Rookie
Dennis Wierzbicki – USA TODAY Sports

Vic Beasley is already slated to start at linebacker for the Falcons, and he should thrive there. Beasley figures to have a stellar rookie campaign, as he is highly athletic and will see a lot of playing time. He has the potential to notch double-digit sacks and put up other huge numbers for the team. Beasley will have a major impact on the Falcons' defense, and he probably will be able to take home the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

1. The Falcons Will Win the NFC South

Julio Jones Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver
Dale Zanine – USA TODAY Sports

1. The Falcons Will Win the NFC South

Julio Jones Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver
Dale Zanine – USA TODAY Sports

I think the Falcons will live up to their potential under Dan Quinn. They play in a weak division, and they easily have more talent than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers. The New Orleans Saints could challenge them in the division, but I ultimately think Drew Brees’ decline will sink their ship. The Falcons will go about 9-7, and they’ll ride their top five offense and improved defense into the playoffs.

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