Atlanta Falcons 2011 Season Predictions

WEEK 1: @ Chicago Bears-- 9/11/11-- 1:00 PM

For the second straight season, the Falcons will open their season on the road and will look to earn their first road season opening victory since 2006 against the Bears. Chicago is coming off a 11-5 season which ended in a heartbreaking loss to the eventual Super Bowl Champions Green Bay Packers. The Bears, lead by Jay Cutler, will look to take another step this season and return to the playoffs in hopes of winning a championship. In this game, the Falcons defensive front should have no problem pressuring and sacking Jay Cutler, who was one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the NFL in 2010. The Bears offensive line combines for a total of 12 starts and against the Atlanta defense lead by All-Pro defensive end John Abraham and newly acquired defensive end Ray Edwards should provide a mismatch for the Bears offense. On the opposite side, Atlanta's offense will be tested by All-Pro defensive players Julius Peppers and Brian Urlacher; however under Matt Ryan, Atlanta is 2-0 against the Bears and will look to earn an early win against this team. In this game, the Falcons receiving core will play a huge factor in the game as Roddy White provided a huge mismatch for the Chicago defense in the previous two match ups and now with addition of Julio Jones and the emergence of Harry Douglas, the Bears defense will struggle to defend this group and that will earn Atlanta a win in Chicago
PREDICTION: WIN


WEEK 2: vs Philadelphia Eagles---9/18/11--8:20 PM

In one of the most anticipated games of the season, Atlanta will take on former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and the Eagles in their home opener. This is the second time the Falcons will play a national television game on Sunday Night Football and their first time since 2009. The matchup also will be the first time that Matt Ryan faces Michael Vick in front of a national television primetime stage. Atlanta will look to beat the Eagles for the first time since 2005 and the game have a lot of hype around it due to the acquisitions of Nmandi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to the Eagles defense and this game will be the first true test that the self-proclaimed "Dream Team" will encounter. One of the key issues discovered early for the Eagles defense is their inability to stop the running game and the Falcons could use the mismatch to their advantage by getting an effective rushing attack going with All-Pro running back Michael Turner. Turner, over the past three seasons, have been the bread and butter that made the Falcons offense into an effective, physical, and balanced team. If Turner can make a big impact against the Eagles rushing defense, then Matt Ryan and the explosive Falcons passing attack will be able to create big plays against the Eagles defense. On the opposite side of the ball, Atlanta's defensive line will play a huge factor against the sub-par Eagles offensive line; however, despite the advantage with Abraham and Ray Edwards, this match up will come down to the coaching staffs of the Eagles and Falcons. In the previous losses, the Eagles unleashed a very unpredictable offense and it caused the Falcons defense to allow big plays from Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. However, in this game, the Falcons coaching staff will find a way to edge the Eagles in a close game.
PREDICTION: WIN


WEEK 3: @Tampa Bay Buccaneers--9/25/11--4:15 PM

This will be a huge test for the Falcons in Week 3 as the Bucs will look to earn some revenge on the Falcons after Atlanta rallied from a 24-14 deficit to win the game 28-24 on December 5th. This season, the Bucs are a year older and wiser, and also is one of the youngest teams in the NFL and possess a lot of potential. Josh Freeman and the young Buccaneers surprised the league winning 10 games in 2010 and many have predicted this team to give the Falcons and the Saints a challenge throughout the season and for the NFC South crown. In this game, Atlanta must bring a consistent passing offense and earn some production from Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers to make the game difficult for the Buccaneers defense. On the opposite side, the Falcons defense must contain Legarrette Blount and limit him from having a 100-yard rushing game. Another key factor in this game will be to contain Josh Freeman from producing big stats against the Atlanta defense. This game will be close and can go either way; however, I feel that the Bucs will steal a victory and end the Falcons five-game winning streak against them and get a tough win.
PREDICTION---LOSS


WEEK 4: @ Seattle Seahawks-- 10/2/11-- 4:00 PM

After dropping a tough game in Tampa Bay, the Falcons will make a trip to Seattle for the second straight year; however, they will face some new players on the Seahawks such as former Vikings quarterback Tavaris Jackson and wide receiver Sidney Rice. The Seahawks had an amazing playoff win against the Saints, but are still a work in progress and the Falcons are way ahead of this football team from top to bottom including with talent, the proper coaching staff, and their ability to compete in tough ball games. Atlanta will come into Qwest Field focused and ready to take a road win against the Seahawks. Last season, Seattle could not contain Michael Turner and struggled against Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense. With the addition of Julio Jones and an explosive outlook to the Falcons passing game, Seattle will struggle to contain Atlanta and the offense will put up at least 30 points against the inconsistent Seattle defense. On defense, Atlanta forced 3 turnovers, including a touchdown by Jonathan Babineaux and now with more depth on the Falcons defensive line and in the Falcons secondary, the Seahawks will have a difficult task, which is to develop a solid strategy against Atlanta. Also, the Seahawks are not sure if their quarterback or running back will be consistent in order for them to compete in tough games. The Falcons will post huge numbers on offense and defense and will cruise to another road win in Seattle.
PREDICTION--- WIN


Week 5 vs Green Bay Packers---10/9/11---8:20 PM

Atlanta will return home to face the team who ended their magical 13-3 season by putting the Falcons out of the Divisional Playoffs 48-21 back in January en-route to their Super Bowl championship. The Falcons will look to earn revenge on the team who ended their chances of winning  a playoff game last season and this will be the second national television matchup for the Falcons this season. The matchup of two of the youngest and emerging stars in the NFL: Aaron Rodgers vs Matt Ryan will take center stage in the Georgia Dome. In the regular season, Matt Ryan is 2-0 vs the Packers and will look to extend his winning streak against the Packers to 3-0. This game will be a revenge game for the Falcons players and many of the fans of this franchise after the worst playoff blowout in NFL history. Back in January, everything went wrong for the Atlanta that night from the offense to defense to special teams, every thing that could have went wrong did that painful night. All of the missing pieces from that game looks to be fixed as the Packers will face an offense that is more explosive and aggressive than the Falcons that lost in the 2010 playoffs. Expect Michael Turner to be a huge factor in this football game because the Packers had a hard time stopping the All-Pro running back in the last regular season meeting. Another factor will be the Falcons defensive line, who needs to pressure and sack Aaron Rodgers in order to win the game. I expect a close matchup between these two rivals but the Falcons will emerge with their revenge and earn a huge win.
PREDICTION-WIN




Week 6: vs Carolina Panthers---10/16/11---1:00 PM

Atlanta will finally play an easier team on the schedule when Cam Newton and the Panthers come to town with their new group of players and new coach Ron Rivera. The Panthers have taken necessary steps to improve as a contender in the NFC South; however, they are not prepared to give the Falcons or Saints a tough time this season. The main factor for this game will be Michael Turner, who the Carolina defense have a difficult time trying to contain and will struggle to shut down the Falcons running attack. Another disadvantage for the Panthers defense will face is containing the explosive Falcons passing game. Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White are two of their toughest challenges in the previous match-ups and now Harry Douglas and Julio Jones will make things difficult for the Panthers secondary and I expect another big performance from Matt Ryan as the Falcons get another victory.
Prediction- WIN


Week 7: @Detroit Lions-- 10/24/11--1:00 PM

The Lions are gaining a lot of attention around the league as a potential sleeper team to make the playoffs in 2011. With their great drafting over the past few years, Detroit is putting together one of the best young teams in the NFL and will look to make progress towards bringing a playoff contender to their city and Atlanta will be a huge test for this young team to face and give them an opportunity to prove that they are one of the best teams in the NFC. The Lions will face the challenge of stopping Michael Turner who put up over (200) yards rushing in the previous matchup against the Lions defense. Despite their addition of Nick Fairley and the dominant defensive line, their downfall is the secondary and with former Falcons corner Chris Houston defending Roddy White, the Falcons offense should have no problems with getting their All-Pro receiver involved in this battle. On the opposite side, the Falcons defense must contain Calvin Johnson from making a big impact for the Lions offense and the Falcons must pressure Matthew Stafford into costly mistakes to help them win. Detroit is a good team; however, they are not prepared for the Falcons offense and Atlanta will head into their bye week with a huge victory.
PREDICTION-WIN


Week 8: BYE




Week 9: @Indianapolis Colts--11/6/11--1:00 PM

After coming off a bye week, the Falcons will face the most difficult road challenge and that is the Colts. Atlanta have never won a road game in Indianapolis and heading into this game,The Falcons will need to get the rushing attack going against this defense in order to open the door for Matt Ryan and the passing game to take flight in this game. Many experts refer to Ryan as the up and coming Peyton Manning. Now as the injury to Peyton Manning is emerging as a potential season-ending one, I originally predicted the Falcons to lose this game; however, as good as veteran Kerry Collins and as talented as the Colts offense is, the main piece will be missing so Atlanta should and will break their franchise losing streak against the Colts and earn a win
PREDICTION:WIN






Week 10: vs New Orleans Saints---11/13/11--1:00 PM

After the two game road trip, Atlanta will return home for three straight games and who is the better team to open the homestand than the Saints. The ATL-NO matchups are gaining  national attention since both teams are playoff contender. This NFC South rivalry between the Falcons and the Saints have always been a close matchup. The previous 5 matchups have been decided by 8 pts or less. Also, the Saints have won the last two games at the Georgia Dome so Matt Ryan will look towards getting his 2nd career victory vs the Saints at home. This game will be a close game and expect to see Matt Ryan and Drew Brees battling for bragging rights in the division. Usually, the team who wins the turnover battle will come away with a victory in the series. The Falcons defense will play a huge factor in the game and needs to force Brees and the Saints offense to lose the turnover battle and also get the Georgia Dome crowd behind them in the game. Also, Michael Turner have caused fits for the Saints defense and if the rushing attack starts putting up big stats throughout the game, that will limit the Saints. Another factor is the addition of Julio Jones because in the previous matchup, the Saints defense applied double coverage to Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez and limited their effectiveness; however, if New Orleans use the same strategy, this will be a downfall for the team and give the Falcons an edge. Atlanta has lost their past two home games to the Saints; but, I expect the Falcons to edge the Saints in a close game.
PREDICTION: WIN


Week 11: vs Tennessee Titans---11/20/11---1:00 PM

The Falcons will play the Titans for the first time under Matt Ryan's era in Atlanta. The Falcons have not beaten this franchise at home since they were the Houston Oilers in 1990. This matchup will see two of the best running backs in the NFL going neck and neck trying to get a win for their team. The Titans will attempt to unleash Chris Johnson against the Falcons defense so Atlanta must reduce his chances of having any impact on the game for the Titans. Also, Tennessee is in the re-building stage after releasing Vince Young to start over with former quarterback Matt Hasselback. The Titans are coming off one of their worst seasons in franchise history and is looking to take steps ahead in the 2011 season. I expect the Titans defense to struggle against the Falcons offense and the  Falcons to come away with their first win against this team in 21 years.
Prediction- WIN


Week 12 vs Minnesota Vikings---11/27/11---1:00 PM

Atlanta will wrap up their 3-game homestand against the Vikings offense lead by their superstar  running back Adrian Peterson and quarterback Donovan McNabb. The Falcons must attack the Vikings defense with a balanced attack and they should struggle against Atlanta's explosive passing attack with the loss of Ray Edwards from their defense and this will limit Jared Allen and the rest of the Vikings front line to contain the Falcons from having a big day on offense. On defense, the Falcons need to stop Adrian Peterson from having a major impact for Minnesota and limit the Vikings from getting their offense going against the Falcons defense. Also, the Falcons need a huge effort from Curtis Lofton and Jonathan Babineaux, who are the most consistent run stopping defensive players on the squad and they must dominate the Vikings offensive line from creating opportunities for one of the best players in the NFL. The Falcons will have a great game against this team especially in the passing game because the Vikings are suffering major setbacks in coverage and from their pass rush so Atlanta will cruise to another win.
PREDICTION- WIN


Week 13: @Houston Texans---12/4/11---1:00 PM

Coming off the successful three game homestand, Atlanta will take on the Texans at Reliant Stadium. The 2011 Texans will feature Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, and a improved defense led by Wade Phillips, who has a proven track record as a DC and was a great coordinator in his time as a Falcons coordinator. Matt Ryan will be taking on former Falcons QB Matt Schaub and one of the high-powered offenses in the NFL. In this game, the Falcons will need to get a balanced attack going against the Texans defense, who was one of the worst passing defensive teams in the NFL. Also, the Falcons must contain Andre Johnson and Arian Foster from making a dominant effort in the game; however, the matchup of Andre Johnson and Dunta Robinson will serve as a disadvantage in the football game on defense for the Falcons. This game will be a shootout in Houston; however, I feel that the Texans will emerge with an upset win to help them begin their push towards making the playoffs in 2011.
PREDICTION: LOSS


Week 14: @Carolina Panthers--- 12/11/11--1:00 PM

Coming off a heartbreaker in Houston, the Falcons will be hungry to return to their winning ways against the Panthers on the road. In the previous two match-ups in Carolina, Michael Turner have caused fits for the Panthers defense averaging (111.3) yards rushing and (2) touchdowns against them and he will be a huge factor in helping the Falcons earn another road win in Charlotte.The Falcons dominated the previous matchups in 2010 by containing the Panthers offense from making any offensive impact on the game and forced numerous turnovers. This game will be very important for the Falcons as they will make the push to return to the postseason for the second straight year and this team is mature enough not to blow crucial games in December so I expect a Falcons victory.
PREDICTION: WIN


Week 15: vs Jacksonville Jaguars---12/15/11---8:20 PM

The Falcons will return home for the third and final primetime home game against the Jaguars, which will be a huge game and potential playoff-clinching matchup for Atlanta. The Falcons offense must get their balanced offense going and interrupt the Jaguars defense from having any kind of impact on this game. This will be Mike Smith's 1st time facing his old team and their star running back, Maurice Jones Drew. Atlanta must establish a balanced attack against the Jaguars in order to execute a successful game plan to beat this team, On defense, the Falcons need to limit MJD from having a dominant game or making any impact that will help them get a win in Atlanta. With the loss of David Garrard, the Jaguars passing attack will be limited from having any impact on the game and Atlanta will earn a huge victory in December.
PREDICTION:WIN




Week 16: @New Orleans Saints---12/26/11--8:30 PM
Game two of this historic rivalry will play out in front of a national audience on Monday Night Football as both the Falcons and Saints will battle for the NFC South Division Title and after losing the game in Atlanta, the Saints will come out with a lot of energy in hopes of beating the Falcons and keeping their playoff chances alive down the stretch. Also, the Saints want to earn some revenge after dropping a shocker early in the 2010 season to the Falcons in overtime 27-24 so the Superdome crowd and the Saints will give all of their energy towards beating the rival Falcons. Atlanta must pressure Drew Brees from having  a huge impact on the game by sacking him and to force him out of the pocket and create some turnovers. Also, Michael Turner have been a Saints killer in the past and that's where the Falcons will need to go to quiet down the Saints. Also, Atlanta will be looking to win a Monday Night Football game for the 1st time since 2005. In the end, I expect the Falcons to give a hard fought battle; however, the Saints will win this game to keep themselves alive in the postseason race.
PREDICTION: LOSS


Week 17: vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers--- 1/1/12---1:00 PM

After losing a heartbreaker to the Saints, the Falcons enters the final week just like last season, with an opportunity to win the NFC South. Matt Ryan will look to extend his winning streak over their divisional rival to 4 straight home wins. This matchup will come down to the Falcons offense and Tampa's defense. Atlanta needs to establish a ground attack against these Buccaneers, who were one of the worst rushing defenses in the league last season. This game could have playoff implications for one or both of these teams in the final regular season matchup. Atlanta will come out with a lot of intensity and in front of their home crowd, the Falcons will win the game  and make the postseason for the second year in a row.
PREDICTION: WIN


FINAL ANALYSIS:(13-3) NFC South Champions
The Falcons will take a step towards the next level this season and can finish with the same record as the 2010 team; but, the major difference is with two years of playoff experience under their arsenal, the Falcons will come into the postseason with the drive and determination to finally win in the postseason and potentially win a Super Bowl championship. The Falcons are entering their most anticipated season in franchise history. Until next time, FALCONS RISE UP!!!!!!