According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Atlanta Falcons’ over/under wins total for the 2022-2023 NFL regular season is 5. The under is -150, and the over is +125. Here’s what I predict.
Head coach Arthur Smith enters his second year with the team after they finished 7-10 in 2021. One significant change for the organization from last season is the departure of longtime starting quarterback and franchise cornerstone Matt Ryan. Ryan was traded to the Indianapolis Colts, and Marcus Mariota was signed to replace him. The Falcons also selected QB Desmond Ridder in the third round to be their potential quarterback of the future. This transitional phase for the franchise looks like it will be difficult and have some growing pains along the way.
The Falcons’ season win total could go either way here and may be one of the most demanding NFL over-under picks for the entire league.
Although there will be struggles, the team still has some promising talent on both sides of the ball. One unfortunate loss they have already sustained is the indefinite suspension of former All-Pro wide receiver Calvin Ridley. He is probably the best player on the team when healthy and able to play, so it is a major loss at a premium position. Luckily they do at least have a very talented pass catcher in Kyle Pitts to absorb many of the targets left by Ridley.
The Falcons also used their 8th overall pick in this past draft to select USC wide receiver Drake London. He will see a significant number of targets. Cordarrelle Patterson had a career year last season, totaling almost 1,200 yards of offense and 11 touchdowns, and he is back on a two-year contract. The offense may struggle a bit, but it has talented playmakers on that side of the ball.
Defensive lineman Grady Jarrett is the anchor and leader of the defensive unit, but the team must be getting more production out of the other defensive linemen on the team so Jarrett can be freed up to make more plays.
Atlanta’s win total of five is a pretty good estimate of the number of wins they should finish with, but I think they will finish under five.
Aside from playing in a division with Tom Brady, they also have to compete with a healthy New Orleans Saints team and the scrappy Carolina Panthers. It is not much easier out of the division, either, as the Falcons will go on the road to play the Rams, Bengals, and Ravens. and will get the 49ers, Chargers, and Cardinals at home.
So, I will take under five wins. Do you think the Falcons will end up under five wins? If so, put your money where your mouth is and bet the under. But before you do, check out the risk-free bets here. That way, you can bet it without anxiety that you may lose your hard-earned cash. Sportsbooks are giving away free money to play with, and all you have to do is create a new account!
