NFL Predictions 2018: Best-case scenario for all 32 teams

By Randy Gurzi | Aug 25, 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: A view of the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Philadelphia Eagles 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 06: Head coach Dan Quinn of the Atlanta Falcons hugs running back Devonta Freeman #24 who scored a touchdown to take a 13-0 lead in the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Coliseum on January 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Falcons: Compete for another Super Bowl

Over the past few seasons, the Atlanta Falcons have been building toward something special. Offensively, they’re always capable of putting up big numbers. They have a powerful running game with the duo of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman.

While they can win based on that, they’re still a pass-first team. With 2016 NFL MVP Matt Ryan under center, that makes sense. Already armed with Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu as top receivers, Atlanta added Calvin Ridley this offseason.

All eyes seem to always be on the Dirty Birds offense, but their defense has really stepped up in recent seasons. Head coach Dan Quinn has put his stamp on that side of the ball and they’re the unit that makes them a contender.

All levels of the defense have stars in Atlanta with Vic Beasley, Takkarist McKinley and Grady Jarrett setting the tone up front. Linebacker Deion Jones and safety Keanu Neal are also stars who make huge plays in the middle and back end of their defense.

Atlanta struggled last season as their offense was under new leadership with Steve Sarkisian calling plays, but there’s no reason to think they won’t be in the mix this year. Their balance is a huge reason why and as long as they can traverse an incredibly tough division, they should be one of the teams in the mix for a shot at a title.

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