Atlanta Falcons NFL Betting Odds

2010 Season

Despite losing to eventual Super Bowl XLV victors (Green Bay) in the playoffs, the Atlanta Falcons had nothing to be ashamed of last season after finishing first in the NFC South division on 13-3, and earning their way into the playoffs as the top seed. Much of the credit for the Falcons' top season belongs to head coach, Mike Smith.

2011 Preview

Last season the Atlanta Falcons got many aspects of their game right. And although they finished ranked 16th in the league in offense and defense, they also finished 5th in points for and against. Offensively, QB Matt Ryan did a sterling job, throwing 3,705 yards and 28 TDs with a just nine picks, with help from WR Roddy White. RBs Michael Turner, Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood also contributed (although Norwood left to join the St. Louis Rams in the off season). If Smith can preserve the quality and cohesiveness of the Falcons' offense, they should be in a good position this season. Similarly, Atlanta's defense fired on all cylinders last season, with a notable contribution from talented DB Dunta Robinson. And while DE Jamaal Anderson (who joined the Indianapolis Colts) will be missed, there was nothing in the Falcons' defense that warranted enormous attention in the off season, which bodes well for their season ahead.

2011 Prediction

One of the reasons the Atlanta Falcons played so well last season is that they dominated playing at home (the Georgia Dome), losing only one game in the preseason to the Patriots, one in the regular season to the Saints, and of course their all-important playoff game to the Packers. So if they can maintain that kind of record this season, they should be in good shape, especially considering some of the tougher teams they'll have to face.

**Our Pick

Even though the Falcons will have to dig deep to fend off such mighty opponents as the Philadelphia Eagles, the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings and many others this season, if Smith can maintain the team's quality and cohesiveness, they may go far this season. Perhaps as far as the playoffs again, while retaining the top spot in the NFC North and equaling or even exceeding their previous 13-3 record.