The Falcoholic
With the season kicking off in a couple of days, it’s time to etch our predictions in the blog stones. Today, we’re taking a crack at season records for the Atlanta Falcons, team MVP, offensive and defensive player of the year, and explaining our rationale.
We welcome you to share your picks, too, if you’ve got ‘em burning a hole in your pocket.
Record: 9-8
MVP: Bijan Robinson
OPOY: Drake London
DPOY: Jessie Bates
Record: 9-8
MVP: Michael Penix
OPOY: Drake London
DPOY: Jessie Bates
While Bijan Robinson is the best player on the roster, I don’t think it’ll be as obvious by the end of this season due to concerns about the offensive line and run game given right tackle Kaleb McGary’s absence. Thus, I think the Falcons’ offensive success will be much more reliant on their passing attack, which will be effective thanks to Michael Penix and Drake London.
Defensively, Bates is their best player and his value should be on display with his ability to create turnovers thanks to the improvements made up front, making it easier for his aggressive style to flourish.
Record: 7-10
MVP: Bijan Robinson
OPOY: Drake London
DPOY: Jessie Bates
Emotional hedging is a valuable tool when considering how to predict a Falcons record, particularly in a year such as this where outcomes are so varied. To be frank with you, I have no idea how the Falcons will do this year. It’s the most I’ve ever been perplexed by an Atlanta team’s floor and ceiling.
My heart wants to believe in the promise of Michael Penix Jr. and push the chips in on a double-digit win season, but we’ve all been let down so many times over the past several seasons that it becomes hard to buy all the stock. Seven wins is a tepid prediction, to be sure, one that wouldn’t indicate much improvement on either side of the ball. However, I’d rather personally be pleasantly surprised than woefully disappointed. I’ll say the team gets another seven-win season and enters 2026 with more than a bit of uncertainty and without a 2026 first-round NFL Draft pick. However, I’m being overly cautious. This could all work out.
Record: 10-7
MVP: Bijan Robinson
OPOY: Michael Penix, Jr.
DPOY: Jessie Bates
Writeup
Forever the optimist, I can see the Falcons finally breaking the ceiling on 10 wins for the first time since 2017. For that to happen, especially with a defense that’s going to be a bit inconsistent, they may need to look to an old friend for guidance. Last year’s Rams team went into their early bye week, week 6, 1-4. Afterward, they finished 9-2, and head coach touted the early bye as a chance to “look at ourselves collectively” and “figure out the best ways to utilize our personnel.”
With this young roster, there are going to be some early ups and downs, and the early season’s schedule doesn’t give...
