2021 NFL Betting and Fantasy Team Preview: Atlanta Falcons
The Julio Jones era is over in Atlanta but that doesn’t mean Matt Ryan won’t have big-play weapons at his disposal. And there’s no doubt Ryan will have to throw the ball — a lot. The Falcons have one of the worst defenses in the NFL. That’s not good if you’re a Falcons fan looking to do the Dirty Bird at sportsbook. On the other hand, the Falcons should consistenly provide fantasy-friendly environments for your DFS lineups.
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Atlanta Falcons Team Betting Preview
Win Total (over):7.5 (-130)
Games Favored:6
Games as a TD Favorite:0
Games as a TD Underdog:3
Their porous offensive line and a defense that has just as many holes make 2021 a difficult test for former NFL MVP Matt Ryan. The 36-year-old is entering the final stretch of his career and is itching to return to the postseason for the first time since 2017. The quest will be an uphill battle, to be sure, but the NFC South is more wide open than people think. As I said in the Panthers preview, this division is one Tom Brady injury away from being mostly a crapshoot. I don’t have a strong feel for which team will prove to be the Bucs’ biggest competitor. While I prefer the high reward that comes with on the Panthers, it wouldn’t totally shock me if the Falcons end up being overperforming.
One thing that should give Falcons fans optimism is the past success of Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith, who looks to revitalize Ryan’s career much like he did Tannehill’s in Tennessee. Doing so won’t be as simple now that Jones forced his way out of the ATL, but Smith and Ryan still have the dangerous combination of Calvin Ridley and rookie tight end Kyle Pitts to stretch the field.
One thing is for certain: If the Falcons somehow make the playoffs, it will be on the back of this passing game and Ryan will likely have some massive numbers in the process. That’s why I like betting on the veteran to throw over 4,450 yards passing yards at Caesars Sportsbook.
PICK: Over 4,450 Yards
Atlanta Falcons Team Projections Preview
Projected Offense Rank:21
Projected Rush Offense Rating: Weak
Projected Pass Offense Rating: Below Average
Projected Points Earned:391.25 (Rank 19)
Rushing Opponents:
Projected Difficult Rush Defenses Faced:8
Projected Soft Rush Defenses Faced:5
Passing Opponents:
Projected Difficult Pass Defenses Faced:5
Projected Soft Pass Defenses Faced:5
Team Defense Rank:30
Projected Rush Defense Rating:Below Average
Projected Pass Defense Rating:Weak
Projected Points Allowed:436.25 (Rank 5)
The Falcons will be a fantasy-friendly team, but playing pocket-passing quarterbacks has increasingly become a no-no in recent years. Play Kyle Pitts early in in DFS while his price is cheap and there’s no reason to shy away from Ridley who may very well end the season as the league’s top receiver.
Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Football Preview
Noteworthy Depth Chart
QB: Matt Ryan – Underdog Rank: QB23 (ADP QB17)
RB: Mike Davis – Underdog Rank: RB20 (ADP RB21)
RB: Javian Hawkins – Underdog Rank: RB53 (ADP RB67)
WR: Calvin Ridley – Underdog Rank: WR5 (ADP WR5)
WR: Russell Gage – Underdog Rank: WR58 (ADP WR52)
WR: Olamide Zaccheaus – Underdog Rank: WR109 (ADP WR91)
TE: Kyle Pitts – Underdog Rank: TE5 (ADP TE4)
What’s New?: HC Arthur Smith, Mike Davis, Kyle Pitts
What’s Uncertain?: Can Pitts become a top-tier TE?
Top Fantasy Play(s): Calvin Ridley, Kyle Pitts, Mike Davis