Atlanta Falcons Odds

Can the Atlanta Falcons take advantage of Bounty Gate and overtake the embattled New Orleans Saints organization and win the NFC South in 2012?

The Falcons have a pretty tough test in Week 1, as they have to travel to Kansas City to face a very under the radar Chiefs squad. Atlanta will continue its’ focus on the pass, while I expect the Chiefs to try and run the ball down the Falcons’ throats. The Falcons come into this game as only -1 road favorites, with a total of 40 ½ points.

This game will be very close, but I like the looks of the total and the over. The Falcons will take shots down field and they will test Brandon Flowers’ health early and often. The Chiefs will try and run the ball, but I feel like the Falcons will get the early lead, forcing the Chiefs to put the ball in the air. With a total so low, I like the value that the over gives us.

My Pick: OVER 40 ½

Some of the biggest news out of Atlanta this past week has been the newly acquired Asante Samuel. Samuel went from one team of birds to the other this offseason, as the Eagles traded him to the Falcons. Philadelphia is very deep at corner, and now Samuel has a chance to continue to play at a high level for a team that really needs him.

Last season with the Eagles, Samuel didn’t have a typical season. He wasn’t on the field as much after the Eagles acquired Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and it showed. After the five seasons between 2006-2010 where Samuel averaged just over seven interceptions a season, he only had three INTs in 14 games in 2011. He will definitely add to the corner depth in Atlanta, and he will be good alongside Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes.

In other Falcons news, Atlanta seems to have an offensive line battle going on. Rookie tackle Lamar Holmes might challenge Sam Baker for the reserve job at left tackle. Holmes is dealing with a toe injury right now. The Falcons also drafted OC Peter Konz with their first overall pick in the second round. Atlanta was top ten in giving up sacks last season, and it really hurt Matt Ryan. Keeping him healthy and upright is crucial for him to get the ball to his wealth of options.

With the Saints being hampered by sanctions and suspensions, the Falcons will have one of their best shots in years to win the NFC South. This is going to be a turning point season for the Falcons if they choose to take advantage of New Orleans’ misfortunes.

They have shown that they have what it takes to win, yet they have not been able to get deep into the playoffs. They have the offense, which is led by world class slinger Matt Ryan, and their defense is improving. Even though they were bounced by the eventual Super Bowl champs in the playoffs last season, the Falcons did not show up for that game. Ryan was only 24-41 with no touchdowns or interceptions, while Eli Manning was 23-32 with three touchdowns.

In that game, the Falcons gave up 449 yards, and only had 263 of their own. Beating little guys weren’t the problem for Atlanta; it was beating the big boys. The Falcons were only 1-4 against playoff teams last season.

Atlanta Falcon NFL odds to win Super Bowl XLVII: 25/1 

The Falcons didn’t exactly improve last season, as they went 10-6 in the regular season, but were held to just 2 points in the NFC Wildcard game against the Giants, and now are going into this season with a chip on their shoulder. However, things are looking up for them because of the offseason issues facing the Saints. It has yet to be determined if any Saints players will face suspension, but the Falcons haven’t even started their voluntary work outs, and already they have a leg up on their NFC South competition. Will they be able to cash in and possibly win the division? 

Free agent/trade news

While the Falcons have been active in free agency, they have been more active in bringing back their own free agents. There is a long list of free agents that the Falcons have signed, so to make it easier, I’ve listed them below for easier reading. 

Thomas DeCoud S

Kroy Biermann DE

Jason Snelling RB

Vince Manuwai G

Lofa Tatupu LB

Harry Douglas WR

Chris Redman QB

John Abraham DE

Vance Walker DT (restricted FA)

Todd McClure C 

No two players were more important to resign then the two defensive ends, Biermann and Abraham. These two guys make the Falcons D go. Their defense against the run is stellar, and their offense should continue to grow this season. Those two resigning, along with the acquisition of linebacker Lofa Tatupu, should improve upon an already great defense. If they can get a few impact draft picks in the secondary, this defense could be one of the best in the NFL this season. 

Draft Buzz

The Falcons have the small problem of not having a first or fourth round pick this season because of the deal that brought them Julio Jones in last year’s draft. The Falcons gave up a lot to get Jones last season, so it will be telling this season not having those picks - if indeed they made the right move. They will have to be extra meticulous in selecting their picks this year. Since they don’t pick until 55^th overall, most of the immediate impact players will most likely be gone. However, they still might be able to find some guys who could work themselves into some playing time. 

Some of the names that have been floated as potential picks for the Falcons at 55^th are CB Dwight Bentley, TE Dwayne Allen, DE Vinny Curry, just to name a few. The Falcons will need to draft a tight end this season. Even though Tony Gonzalez is still one of the best tight ends in the league, one injury, or if this is the year he falls off, could put the Falcon offense on hold. Other than that, defensive tackle, cornerback and offensive line could be other targets for the dirty birds in this month’s draft. 

The Falcons were 20^th in the NFL last season defending the pass; playing the Saints twice a year will do that to you. However, this was a weak secondary, and I think that is the direction they will go with their second round pick. The signing of DeCoud will help, but they need depth at corner, so that is my pick on what way the Falcons will go with the 55^th pick.