The last time the Falcons had a winning record was back in 2017. The team was quite different during this time. Players such as Desmond Trufant, Keanu Neal, Brian Poole, Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman, and Matt Ryan were on the team. The previous year, they were crowned NFC Champions and went on to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI. We all know how that went down, so let’s move on. In 2017, the Falcons beat the Los Angeles Rams 26-13 in the Wild Card match but would later lose 15-10 against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round. So, in 2022-2023, what expectations do people have for the Atlanta Falcons?

Just two wins for the Falcons?

Adam Rank of NFL Network made predictions for each team’s records about a month ago. According to NFL Network, the Falcons have the 9th most brutal schedule. The only two wins Rank sees the Falcons winning are at home against the Cleveland Browns and on the road against divisional rival Carolina Panthers. Rank also believes that third-round pick Desmond Ridder could eventually take the starting job from Marcus Mariota at some point in the season. His reason for this is that the Falcons could be playing for a top draft pick.

The Cleveland Browns likely won’t have quarterback Deshaun Watson, who could be facing a lengthy suspension over sexual misconduct while being with the Houston Texans. The Carolina Panthers are a team to watch that could potentially trade for Baker Mayfield, but for now, they have Sam Darnold. There’s so much uncertainty at the position that Rank gave us a win.

There are definite reasons why Atlanta ranks so low in record projections. They’re a relatively young team that just traded away their star franchise quarterback and are in a slight rebuild for the future. The loss of Calvin Ridley (suspended) hurts the broad receiver group. Still, players such as Byran Edwards and first-round pick Drake London will hopefully carry on the offense for the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons posted a 7-10 record last season and are looking to build a better campaign this upcoming season.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks' Luka Doncic gets payback, knocks out Clippers
Lakers fire HC Darvin Ham after disappointing season
Pius Suter's late goal sends Canucks to second round
Marlins trading away two-time All-Star as fire sale may already be underway
Doc Rivers, Giannis Antetokounmpo contradict each other on star's injury
Caitlin Clark's strong WNBA debut dismisses concerns about transition to pros
Dolphins add another star playmaker on offense
Yankees' Aaron Judge addresses offensive woes creeping into May
Golden Knights force Game 7 behind shutout by Adin Hill
Donovan Mitchell's 50-burger goes to waste as Magic dominate the offensive glass to force Game 7
Jets HC Robert Saleh addresses QB Aaron Rodgers' status for OTAs
Eagles lose veteran OL to injured reserve
Rangers lose two-time All-Star starting pitcher to injury
Lakers make another big change after firing Darvin Ham
Draymond Green predicts LeBron James' next team
Twins place pivotal outfielder on injured list due to knee issue
Lakers' chances of landing Tyronn Lue not considered 'realistic'
Pirates option struggling former No. 1 overall pick to minors
Rangers' Vincent Trocheck downplays second-round showdown with former team
Longtime coach compares Patriots' Drake Maye to two legends

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.