NFL · 1 year ago

NFC South Bold Predictions: How High Can the Falcons Fly?

Ben DiGiacomo

Host · Writer

Falcons Earn NFC’s No. 1 Seed, Division’s Only Playoff Team
Many aren’t going to anoint Kirk Cousins as one of the league’s most elite quarterbacks, but he can give the Atlanta Falcons reliable and consistent above-average play. That’s all the Falcons may need. Surrounded by elite pieces like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts and an up-and-coming play-caller, Zac Robinson, from the Sean McVay coaching tree, this group has the chance to put together a top-five offense with an easy schedule. Complemented by what’s expected to be a borderline top-ten defense, this Falcons team is set for a ton of success. If we’re getting bold, with their easy schedule, who is to say they can’t earn the NFC’s No. 1 seed?
Bryce Young Shines, Panthers Back on Track
2023 couldn’t have been a worse rookie year for Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers, and after the organization traded all their valuable assets for the foreseeable future to land him, it better work out. New head coach Dave Canales was brought in given his success in revamping Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense, and even through limited preseason action, it already looks like Young is making strides. He has looked more decisive in the pocket, an accurate passer, and, most importantly, more confident. It’s not like the Carolina Panthers are destined for the postseason in 2024, but an improved Bryce Young would be the same morale boost for the Panthers’ organization as a playoff berth would.
Raheem Morris Earns Coach of the Year
The Atlanta Falcons won seven games in 2023, essentially without competent quarterback play, and now welcome in Kirk Cousins to man the quarterback spot, as the Falcons are considered by many to have the easiest schedule in 2024. There is potential for the Falcons to stack wins with an elite offense, with Cousins, Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London leading the way. On the defensive side of the ball, Raheem Morris has the tools to put together a complementary defense. The defense had some nice pieces leading into training camp, but after adding Matt Judon and Justin Simmons in recent weeks, the Falcons are all in on 2024. Raheem Morris wanted this second head coaching shot, and it will work out big time as he earns Coach of the Year honors.
Spencer Rattler is Starting for the Saints by December
Derek Carr and the New Orleans Saints need a break-up sooner than later. It’s just not going to work out. If the Saints want to be a contender soon, a change at the quarterback will be necessary, so as Derek Carr will struggle out of the gate to start the season, we’re buying stock in Spencer Rattler to take the reigns sooner rather than later. Once upon a time, Rattler was viewed as a potential top quarterback prospect, but after a rocky finish to his college career, the Saints were able to scoop up Rattler in the fifth-round. The Saints need a fresh start, so they would be better off giving Rattler a shot to see if he can live up to the hype everyone once thought he had.
Bucs’ Offense Struggles, Feels Dave Canales’ Absence
Baker Mayfield just had his best season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but we’re among the belief that the loss of Dave Canales as his offensive coordinator is a bigger deal than many want to admit. Baker has always been a product of his coaching system, and who is Liam Coen to come over the college ranks to continue the Bucs’ success? Baker needs a flawless system to succeed, and I can’t trust that a first-time offensive coordinator will be able to deliver that. The Bucs won’t be a dumpster fire with all their talent, but a mediocre 7-10 season seems in order.
Diontae Johnson Becomes a WR1 for Fantasy
The stock is pointing up big time for Bryce Young after a strong preseason, putting a lot of optimism around his wide receiver group. Earlier this offseason, the Carolina Panthers quietly landed Diontae Johnson for cheap from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he’s had a very encouraging training camp as he has emerged as Young’s clear-cut number-one option. After much pessimism around the Panthers’ skill players in fantasy circles, Johnson could be a PPR machine, setting up as a potential WR1 option in fantasy. Be sure to take the value on him in the later rounds of your fantasy drafts with all his upside.
Falcons Earn NFC’s No. 1 Seed, Division’s Only Playoff Team
Many aren’t going to anoint Kirk Cousins as one of the league’s most elite quarterbacks, but he can give the Atlanta Falcons reliable and consistent above-average play. That’s all the Falcons may need. Surrounded by elite pieces like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts and an up-and-coming play-caller, Zac Robinson, from the Sean McVay coaching tree, this group has the chance to put together a top-five offense with an easy schedule. Complemented by what’s expected to be a borderline top-ten defense, this Falcons team is set for a ton of success. If we’re getting bold, with their easy schedule, who is to say they can’t earn the NFC’s No. 1 seed?
Bryce Young Shines, Panthers Back on Track
2023 couldn’t have been a worse rookie year for Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers, and after the organization traded all their valuable assets for the foreseeable future to land him, it better work out. New head coach Dave Canales was brought in given his success in revamping Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense, and even through limited preseason action, it already looks like Young is making strides. He has looked more decisive in the pocket, an accurate passer, and, most importantly, more confident. It’s not like the Carolina Panthers are destined for the postseason in 2024, but an improved Bryce Young would be the same morale boost for the Panthers’ organization as a playoff berth would.