NFL futures: Two Atlanta Falcons bets to place

Two future bets on the Atlanta Falcons

Bijan Robinson to win Offensive Player of the Year (+2000 DraftKings)

If you prefer an optimistic look on Atlanta's 2024 outlook, backing Bijan Robinson in some markets such as this one could be your best bet.

Robinson was heralded as a can't-miss prospect as a dynamic running back threat who can make plays on the ground and through the air. You have to hope that the new coaching staff trusts in his talent and ups his workload in what feels like a win-now culture given the signing of Kirk Cousins.

Robinson ended his rookie season with 976 yards on the ground, 487 yards through the air, and eight total touchdowns. Those numbers all need to skyrocket to win OPOY, but it's not out of the realm of possibility.

Cousins helped support plenty of big seasons from Dalvin Cook as his running back, utilizing him in the passing game, and if Robinson can push 1800-2000 total yards of offense and 12+ touchdowns, he could be among the favorites for this award by season's end.

Falcons to miss playoffs (+150 DraftKings)

This bet is very much just a fade of the market, as they seem a bit too bullish that the Falcons suddenly figure it all out with an older QB in Cousins who is coming off a serious injury.

The Buccaneers have been the more trustworthy franchise out of the NFC South, and this doesn't seem like the division likely to produce a Wild Card team. Given a choice, we have to fade Atlanta on making the playoffs, especially with potential lingering bad vibes coming off that Michael Penix Jr. draft pick this April.