2024 record prediction: Atlanta Falcons

One of the most buzzworthy teams all offseason, the Atlanta Falcons suddenly find themselves in a make or break season under new head coach Raheem Morris and quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Atlanta sent shockwaves through the league after signing Cousins in free agency to a monster contract, leaving many to presume this Falcons team was pushing all it’s chips on the table over the next few seasons to take advantage of a week division. While Atlanta did have some nice signings in free agency with the likes of Cousins, Rondale Moore (trade), Eddie Goldman, and Kevin King, it’s fair to say their draft left a bad taste in many analysts and fans mouths. A team ready to compete taking what essentially amounts to a backup quarterback at the top of the draft when they are in a win now mode may send the wrong signals to the team, and especially to their newly established starter. The team also failed to address a true pass rusher in the draft and leaves some holes on the defense.

It’s certainly not all bad in Atlanta. Cousins looks to take this offense to a next level with the departure of Arthur Smith, and the talented young playmakers surrounding him look to feast in a new look offense. Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson should all experience a bit of a rebirth under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, and the team still boasts one of the most steady offensive lines in the league.

In a weak NFC South the Falcons are primed to make a strong push for the top of the division. Kirk Cousins and these young offensive weapons should be enough to carry this team to success and a playoff birth despite concerns on defense and in the teams overall structure.

Record prediction: 9-8